Legado del Fraile

Rias Baixas, Spain


At a Glance
  • Fresh and mineral-driven Albariño
  • Native yeast fermentation with lees aging
  • No wood
  • Malo depends on the vintage

This Albariño comes from the sub-zone of Rias Baixas known as Salnes. This area has granitic-based soils and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean giving the wine not only freshness but also a salty quality that you find in top Albarino. The vineyards for this wine are small plots with names like Iglesario, Curras, Aillos, Lourido, and Montarran, and are planted in the traditional pergola system. Almost all the vineyard plots are on hillsides facing the Ria de Arosa.

At the helm is Bergoña Alvarez, who singlehandedly manages the "orchestra" which includes the winemaker whose name is Cayetano Otero. Mr. Otero also consults with some of the most famous wineries throughout Rias Baixas and has a lot of experience with albariño.

The goal with Legado del Fraile is to make a good value-driven albariño but one that comes from quality terroir and quality winemaking including the use of native yeast fermentations. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and lees aged and is not fined before bottling.