Where is Ribeira Sacra?
This D.O. (Denomination de Origen, Spanish appellation system) region is in province of Lugo, south east of Galicia.
One of the most mythical and traditional vine growing region in Spain.
Who's winery San Mamed?
My friend Orly Lumbreras is producing his floral and succlent wine "Vertixe" collaborating with this lovely family owned winery.
Winery San Mamed is owned and operated by family; Rosa and her husband Jose "the Boss", their daughter and her husband.
The winery is located in a village called Salgeiro (Quiroga y Bibei sub-zone) near Monforte de Lemo.
Just in a middle of mountain, as if it is avoiding to have a contact with city, noise and pollution.
Life style in Ribeira Sacra
Rosa and Jose are still living in Adega (old cellar) - Their life style is traditional and simple, but very close to the nature of Ribeira Sacra area. Could be too traditional, but it is the life style of Ribeira Sacra.
The family keeps their pig, chickens, vegetable garden - everything is auto-sustainable
Their life is 100% 0 additives. No chemical smells or perfumes are present in their life.
It is simple, clean and very close to the nature.
Vineyards
It is mythic, silent. Only the sounds of river and birds can be heard.
The family respects traditional vine cultivation system.
Family grows only indigenous grapes, such as Mencia, Merenzao, Brancellao, Jerez, Godello...
All the vines are planted on very steep hillsides facing to the river Sil.
the family do not allow to put caterpillar or cables to pull up boxes in their vineyards. They prefer to walk, carry and touch with their own hands.
Old terraces of stones and granite and slate soil. Everything is stony here.
Terraces are surrounded by cherry blossoms, wild flower and greens.
No pesticide, herbicide or chemical substance have not been applied for long time.
Some indigenous plants, such as topo (a plant with small yellow flowers) and straw are used to fertilise the soil.
Cellar
The cellar was colder than outside, but its smelt exactly the same as outside - scent of green, wood, wet stone and rain.
There was a 100 years old cask in cellar - it's was about to broke in pieces, but still there protecting their wine, along with some small stainless steal tanks.
100+ years old cask
Wines
I tasted four reds, including my friend's wine "Vertixe" and one white wine.
Boss's hidden treasure "white wine"
There were many famous journalist, judges and bloggers said to the boss "This is an amazing wine, you should sell it. You will be a wine guru!"
But the boss replies as such,
"If you want this wine, you can drink as much as you want, you are my guest. But I will never sell this wine to make me rich or famous!"
I felt in love with this white - 100% fermented grape juice.
It was fermented, but it's so clean, smooth, integrated.
This wine is made by Boss to accompany his everyday meals.
The wine is made with Jerez, Godello and Dona Blanca.
Everything is "0" - SO2, Clarification, finning, acidification, chaptalisation.
Unique orange colour, clean nose with hint of oxidation. It's attack is juicy, sappy, down-to-earth.
Young red
Lovely concentration of fruit, fresh and well balanced.
It shows personality of the soil, grapes, climate of the area and grape producer.
Traditional taste but charming. Red fruit, balanced tannins and matches perfectly with light tapas (Beside the wine glasses, home made cured ham, chorizo, salchichón (salami) and bread were served.
From left; young red, special edition who sh was produced for their daughter's wedding, oak aged red and Vertixe of Orly Lumbreras.
The white wine
Winery San Mamed
D.O. Rieira Sacra - Quiroga - Bibei sub zone.
Owns total 3.5ha of vineyards on river Sil's river bank.
Total production 20.000 bottles per year.
