palatial wine culture
It’s almost impossible not to admire winemakers who devote all their efforts to one singular grape varietal and manage to coax its various qualities into multiple beautiful versions of itself.
Palacio (Palace) de Fefiñanes refers to the albariño grape as “a great ally: a powerful and universal subtlety in its Atlantic character.” They have been involved in wine since the 17th century and have been passing down their culture of wine production through the family generations. They are pioneers in the production and commercialisation of a singular variety: the expressive Albariño grape from the Salnés valley.
the birthplace of albariño
Val do Salnés is oldest of of 5 unique sub-regions of Rías Baixas (DO) and also considered to be the birthplace of the Albariño grape variety. It’s located on the lower reaches of the river Umia and centred on the town of Cambados. The landscape is of low undulating hills and the vineyards are planted both on the slopes and on the flat valley floors. The soil is generally rocky and alluvial.
Thanks to a small vineyard planted with century-old vines enclosed by their estate walls, together with the skill and know-how of a handful of small-scale Cambados winemakers, their winery lovingly conserves the traditional production methods of Galicia’s manor houses. Beyond their estate walls, vines are over 40 years old on average – some over 100 years old – and are all trained on trellises and planted on sandy soils, with some limestone and clay. The vineyards are grown at heights not much above sea level, enjoying the warm, damp Atlantic climate.
accolades and origins
With wines that are fermented and aged on lees and in a combination of stainless steel and French oak, they have created vineyard and cellar selections that take the grape from fresh coastal classics to long-lived whites. The accolades they have received locally and internationally are well deserved and not surprising when their labour of love stands on their core belief: “A wine should speak clearly of its origins, evoking the land it originates from and remain true to its unique character and differentiating nature. Wine, like people, the closer it is to its origin, the closer it will be to its truth.”
Bogie’s is importing “Albariño de Fefiñanes,” their flagship wine, BUT, you will only find this wine being served at the infamous Bar Isabel in downtown Toronto. To make a reservation, click here.
