• A blend from various 40- to 100-year-old parcels of Mencía, Caíño, and Espadeiro
• Spontaneous full-cluster fermentation in used barrels
• Ferments until the next harvest, when the wine is racked to tank for a further 8 months
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur
• A light, 11% ABV, chillable red with crunchy minerality and lip-smacking acidity
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2019
Country:
Spain
Region:
Galicia
Appellation:
Rias Baixas
Variety:
Blend - Other
Color:
Red
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | ES-ALB-05-19 | 12/750ml |
Press & Reviews
VinePair
Score
90
Date
2023-08-07
"Winemaker Xurxo Alba works out of a small cellar in Cambados, next to his parent,s restaurant, to showcase the wines of Galicia, Spain. It,s a humble way of life that he has expanded into a business. Initially focusing on the popular Albari¤o grape, he has since expanded to other varieties like this native grape blend of Menc¡a, Ca¡¤o, and Espadeiro. It has a wonderful herby red fruit and some rhubarb on the nose. The palate is full of good acidity and a savory fruity vibe."
Wine Advocate
Score
90+
Date
2022-02-28
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2022
James Suckling
Score
92
Date
2024-11-19
"A subtle red with nervy fruit reminiscent of wild berries and a stony element. Fun and super drinkable. Salty with an edge, but substantial. Mencia with a tiny bit of espadeiro and caino. Drink now."
2022
Tim Atkin, MW
Score
92
Date
2024-12-16
"Produced with equal amounts of co-fermented Ca¡¤o Tinto, Espadeiro and Menc¡a, this iseffectively the second wine of O Esteiro. Redolent of summer pudding and rose petals, it haslovely red cherry and raspberry coulis flavours and some underlying grip and acidity. 2024-29"
2022
Wine Advocate
Score
91+
Date
2024-07-11
"The red 2022 Capit n Xurelo was produced with Espadeiro, Menc¡a and Ca¡¤o grapes, fermented with full clusters and matured in used oak barrels for 18 months. It has a balsamic nose with acid berry fruit, floral aromas and a hint of pine needle. It's light and has moderate alcohol, 11%, keeping notable acidity. This is similar to the O Esteiro, as both are barrel blends; here, he looks for more austerity and purity. 2,666 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2024."