Ribeira Sacra, the "sacred riverbank" in Galicia, Spain, has gained recognition in the wine world over the last 15 years thanks to winemakers like Roberto Santana, Alfonso Torrente, Laura Ramos, and José Martínez of Envínate. They rediscovered this wild and beautiful landscape with ancient vineyards. Previously, grapes were sold to large wineries, but these four friends made contracts with selected "Viticultores Galegos" to farm these old vineyards together. Aldea Lousas is a blend primarily composed of 85% Mencía, the main red grape of Galicia, planted alongside other native varieties like Merenzao, Brancellao, Caiño, Sousón, Mouratón, Alicante Bouschet, Godello, and Palomino. The vines grow on steep slopes of schist, gneiss, granite, and mica-schist at 400 to 600 meters elevation. Grapes from each parcel are hand-harvested and fermented separately with wild yeast, whole-cluster inclusion, and foot-treading. The wine is aged for eleven months in old tonneaux and concrete tanks without SO2 addition until bottling.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
Envínate Lousas Viña de Aldea is a remarkable wine that showcases the expertise and craftsmanship of the Envínate winery.This wine is produced in the Ribeira Sacra region of Spain, known for its steep terraced vineyards and unique microclimate.
On the nose, Lousas Viña de Aldea offers an enticing bouquet of red and black fruits, such as ripe cherries, blackberries, and plums. These aromas are complemented by subtle hints of spices, such as black pepper and cloves, adding complexity to the wine.
The palate of Lousas Viña de Aldea is equally impressive, with a medium to full body and a velvety texture. The fruit flavors continue to shine, with the addition of notes of dark chocolate and a touch of earthiness. The wine's well-integrated tannins provide structure and balance, while the vibrant acidity adds freshness and liveliness to the overall profile.
The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of ripe fruit and a subtle mineral character. Lousas Viña de Aldea is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but also has the potential to age gracefully, allowing its flavors to further develop and evolve over time.
Galicia, located in the northwest corner of Spain, with its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and mild climate, Galicia has a long history of winemaking, it is now best known for its white wine Rias Baixas.
Galicia has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Roman Empire. The region was known for its high-quality wines, which were exported to other parts of Europe. In the 19th century, Galicia was one of the most important wine regions in Spain, and its wines were highly sought after.