Albariño, Manuel Moldes "A Capela de Aios" 2021

Galicia is the coolest, greenest part of Spain, with a strong Celtic identity. Both the people and the wines reflect that outsider identity- the people are humble and pale and the wines are mostly white and fiercely crisp. Manuel Moldes, aka “Chicho”, is a one-man show in the Val do Salnés subregion of Rías Baixas, which is closest to the sea and the home of most of the iconic producers of Albariño. His A Capela de Aios bottling is unique in that most of Rías Baixas is dominated by granitic soils whereas the village of Aios is comprised mostly of schist. The resulting wines tend to be more mineral and savory with less overt fruit- think Savennières (also a schist-laden place) vs. Vouvray. Chicho also prefers to avoid malolactic fermentation and his cellar is so cold that it rarely happens. The 2021 A Capela de Aios is proudly Galician- long, saline, and vigorous yet quiet and firm in personality. Distinctive and mouthwatering.

Must be 21 years old to purchase. ID is required at delivery or in-store pickup.