Ailalá Souson, Ribeiro 2018
An aromatic and complex expression of the Sousón variety, with notes of cherry, cinnamon, lilac, violet and wild red berries through to a rounded palate with a savoury touch.
The grapes come from the Esposende and Gomariz estate vineyards in the Avia River Valley, which are located in the D.O. Ribeiro within the Galicia region of Spain. The D.O. is located between the Rias Baixas to the west and Ribeira Sacra to the east. The vines for this wine are planted around Esposende and Gomariz municipalities on a combination of terraced plots known as socalos, and sloped plots orientated to maximise exposure to the sun. The soils in the region are granitic sands, known locally as sábrego, which warm up quickly and retain the heat. The region is greatly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean with relatively high rainfall and humidity, although its inland location shelters it from the impact of Atlantic storms. High levels of sunshine allow the grapes to reach excellent maturity levels, however the characteristic high acidity from the cooler influences, results in wines of great balance. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal maturit
The grapes were carefully selected in the vineyard and sorted at reception in the winery. The grapes underwent skin-contact maceration at low temperatures to extract aromatic, flavour and colour prior to fermentation in stainless steel tanks with wild yeasts. During vinification, periodic pump-overs and punching-down of the cap took place. The wine was barrel aged in 500 litre French oak barrels for four months before being bottled on a Fruit Day in August.
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13.5% |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Galicia |
| Subregion | Ribeiro |
| Grapes | Sousón 85%, Brancello 5%, Caiño Longo 5%, Ferrol 5% |
| Body | C |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Twin Top |
Ailalá is a viticultural project created on the concept of being new, young and fresh created by winemaker Inma Pazos and sommelier Miguel Montoto, who produce wines with a clear identity built around the concept of terroir. Produced from indigenous varieties, the wines highlight the character of the North West of Spain, where the strong, cooling Atlantic influence is combined with sustainable cultivation techniques reflect the utmost care for the land. The result is a duo of indigenous, fun and vibrant varietal wines with great personality that come from this historic wine producing region. Ailalá is a Galician word, used in traditional folklore that has clear Celtic origins. Although it does not have a direct translation, is a cry of joy and fun: 'Ailalá!, Ailalelo!', it’s the Galician equivalent of Olé!
