F. Algueira : Pizarra 2021

Tasting notes and characteristics of F. Algueira's Pizarra 2021

Tasting

Nose
The aromatic bouquet stands out for its great complexity. It reveals intense floral notes of violet and dried flowers, intimately intertwined with spicy hints of black pepper and aromatic herbs. These are joined by savoury nuances of black fruits, tapenade and cured meat, along with subtle aromas of balsamic vinegar, green coffee and chocolate.

Palate
The attack is vibrant, opening onto a generous, structured and perfectly balanced mid-palate. The tannins prove particularly elegant and polished. The palate reveals delicious notes of red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, enhanced by a very pronounced minerality, typical of slate soils. The finish offers remarkable persistence.

Food and wine pairings
This wine pairs wonderfully with regional cuisine, such as Galician-style octopus, local charcuterie or meat and seafood stews. Its structure also matches beautifully with grilled meats with caramelised notes, as well as with aged or semi-cured cheeses.

Serving and cellaring
Thanks to its fine structure and balance, the Pizarra 2021 boasts excellent cellaring potential.

The mineral expression of a great wine from Ribeira Sacra in Galicia

The estate
Officially founded in 1996, F. Algueira is located in the Amandi sub-region, at the heart of the Ribeira Sacra appellation in Galicia. This 30-hectare family estate is now run by Fabio González Riveiro, representing the second generation. The property stands out for its so-called "heroic" viticulture on dizzying slopes overlooking the Sil river. Committed to preserving the local heritage, the estate favours the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties to express all the authenticity and complexity of this exceptional terroir.

The vineyard
The grapes come mainly from Carballocobo, the estate's most emblematic plot within the Ribeira Sacra. This exceptional terroir, with a full southern exposure, is characterised by extreme slopes reaching up to 85 degrees of inclination, making any mechanisation impossible. The vines are cultivated on terraces in highly complex soils, dominated by slate, with fragments of quartz and granite. The estate applies sustainable viticulture methods, tailored to each micro-plot.

The vintage
The growing cycle made it possible to wait for the berries to reach optimal phenolic ripeness. The harvest, carried out very selectively, took place from late August through to mid-September, thus ensuring a perfect balance between the concentration of the grapes and the preservation of their natural acidity.

Winemaking and aging
The making of the Pizarra 2021 relies on traditional methods. After an entirely manual harvest, the whole, non-destemmed bunches are foot-trodden in large open French oak vats. A cold maceration precedes fermentation, which starts spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts. This is followed by a long post-fermentation maceration of over thirty days. Finally, the wine is aged for twelve to eighteen months in French oak barrels and large casks, during which time malolactic fermentation takes place.

Grape varieties
This wine is mainly made from the Mencía grape variety, complemented by touches of Brancellao and Caíño.