Adega Algueira Pizarra Ribeira Sacra 2021
Pizarra displays a pronounced intensity of fruit and aromatic complexity defined by violet florals, nuanced spice, and a distinctive slate-driven character. On the palate, it is structured and well-balanced, with polished tannins and a long, persistent finish.
Pizarra is the estate’s most renowned production. It is crafted primarily from Mencía sourced from Carballocobo, the winery’s most iconic vineyard site, complemented by Brancellao and Caíño from Abeleda — two fresh and complex varieties that enrich the blend’s aromatic and structural profile. The vines grow on soils composed of slate, granite, and quartz, with a south-facing orientation for the Mencía and a west-facing exposure for the Brancellao and Caíño. Cultivation follows a trellis system under principles of sustainable viticulture.
The vinification process started with whole bunches that were traditionally foot-crushed in 2,000-litre French oak open-top vats, followed by a period of cold maceration. Fermentation took place with stems, using exclusively indigenous yeasts. The wine was then aged for 12 months in a combination of French barriques and 1,000-litre French foudres.
| RRP | £40.00 |
| Bottle size | 75cl |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13% |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Galicia |
| Subregion | Ribeira Sacra |
| Grapes | Mencia 70%, Brancellao 15%, Caíño Blanco 15% |
| Residual sugar (g/l) | 0.35 |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Natural Cork |
| Winemaker | Fernando Algueira |
Adega Algueira is a jewel in Ribeira Sacra’s magnificent crown. Described by Luis Gutiérrez as "one of the region’s leading producers with incredible vineyard holdings", this family-run winery is internationally recognised for producing refined wines from breathtaking vineyards perched on steep slopes that plunge towards the Sil River.
While viticulture in Ribeira Sacra dates back to the Romans, phylloxera, economic depression and civil war left the terraced vineyards abandoned and worthless. In 1980, the year Fernando González Riveiro came to the region, it was a complete ruin. Convinced of its potential, he began the painstaking work to restore some of these forgotten vineyards. Years later, in 1996, the same year the Ribeira Sacra appellation was created, he built a winery in the renowned subregion of Amandi.
Today, Fernando is a local hero and works alongside his son Fabio. They have 130 plots totalling 30 hectares of vineyard planted to local Galician varieties including Godello, Treixadura, Albariño, Loureiro, Mencía, Caíño, Sousón, Brancellao and Merenzao. Many plots are on very steep south-facing slopes, with gradients up to 85%, meaning vineyard work is carried out manually. Varied soil compositions, aspects and gradients result in many different microclimates. Through extensive research and vinification trials, they have unearthed the distinct characteristics of each plot. Slate and schist soils have proven well suited to Mencía, accentuating the variety’s natural tension and minerality, while granite soils with quartz and gneiss provide remarkable freshness and elegance to indigenous white varieties.
