Leirana Albariño 2023 from Forjas del Salnés in Rías Baixas stands out as one of the most expressive and characterful interpretations of Albariño. Crafted under the expert hand of renowned winemaker Raúl Pérez, this wine masterfully balances intensity with elegance. Acclaimed by critics, it earned 94 points from both Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and James Suckling, who praised it as one of the coolest and most compelling Albariños at its price point. Tim Atkin MW also awarded it 93 points, further cementing its reputation as a benchmark wine from the region.
The story of Forjas del Salnés began in 2005 with Rodrigo Méndez, grandson of Francisco Méndez, one of the founding figures of Rías Baixas appellation. The winery also enjoys the support of the celebrated Spanish winemaker Raúl Pérez. Rodrigo represents the fifth generation of a winemaking family with over three centuries of tradition. Raúl Pérez, on the other hand, is one of Spain’s most acclaimed winemakers, a passionate advocate of biodynamic viticulture and the revival of native Spanish grape varieties.
Together, they chose to go against the grain of the 1970s trend that favoured replacing old vines with new ones for higher yields. Instead, they nurtured ancient local vineyards, preserving the authentic heritage of Galicia. The winery was named Forjas del Salnés — “Forjas” meaning forge — in honour of Rodrigo’s grandfather Francisco Méndez, who was not only a vine grower but also a blacksmith. Today, Forjas del Salnés cultivates 7.5 hectares in the villages of Meaño, Sanxenxo and Barro, using traditional methods with deep respect for the terroir and minimal intervention.
Leirana Albariño 2023 Forjas del Salnés comes from 40–60-year-old vines planted in granitic and sandy soils near the Atlantic. The wine ferments with ambient yeasts in stainless steel tanks (30%) and large oak foudres (70%), then matures on its lees for six months, gaining complexity and texture without losing the pure expression of its origin or the vibrant character of the grape.
Leirana Albariño 2023 Forjas del Salnés is ready to enjoy now, but will undoubtedly evolve beautifully over the next five years — if you have the patience to wait.
