Fedellos 'As Xaras', Galicia, Spain

A vibrant expression of Atlantic Spain’s rugged beauty, the 2021 Fedellos 'As Xaras' captures the tension and elegance of Ribeira Sacra’s mountain vineyards. Made from 100% Mencía sourced from both sides of the River Xares, this wine hums with purity, freshness, and mineral intensity, an unmistakable Galician signature elevated by sensitive, low-intervention winemaking.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Mencía
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Body: Light to Medium
• Sweetness: Dry
• Farming: Organic
• Vineyards: Chandoiro and Larouco in the Val do Bibei (500–600m elevation)
• Age of Vines: 20 years
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Fermentation: Whole-cluster, native yeast fermentation in plastic bins
• Maceration: 40–60 days with pigeage
• Aging: 8 months in a 20hL concrete tank and neutral 500L French oak barrels
• Winemakers: Curro Bareño & Jesús Olivares 
• Founder/Owner: Luis Taboada 

Sensory Description:

The wine opens with a burst of wild strawberry and red cherry, accented by subtle notes of black pepper and crushed herbs. On the palate, it’s silky and light-bodied, but with a quiet power and tension that hint at the steep, terraced vineyards where the grapes were born. Its granite minerality and cooling influence from the River Xares offer energy and balance, while a delicate touch of spice lends depth to the finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• 93+ Points – Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 2013 by Luis Taboada and winemakers Curro Bareño and Jesús Olivares, Fedellos do Couto is named for the 12th-century manor at the heart of their estate. Located in the terraced valleys carved by the Sil and Bibei rivers, their vineyards cling to steep hillsides where mechanization is impossible, making all viticulture manual and deeply rooted in tradition. The winemaking philosophy is one of gentle extraction, native yeast fermentation, and aging in neutral vessels, methods that amplify the purity and identity of their indigenous grape varieties.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled (around 55–58°F) to showcase its crisp fruit and bright acidity. Perfect for warm-weather drinking, this wine pairs beautifully with grilled octopus, charcuterie, herbed chicken, or roasted red peppers. Its freshness and elegant profile also make it a natural companion to vegetarian dishes and lightly spiced tapas.

The 2021 Fedellos 'As Xaras' is a beautifully rendered snapshot of Galicia’s wild side, delicate yet soulful, mineral yet warm. It's a testament to the grace and character of Mencía when treated with vision and restraint.