Albariño Do Ferreiro Cepas Vellas by Bodegas Gerardo Méndez is a white wine made exclusively from Albariño grapes grown in the Salnés Valley within the Rías Baixas designation of origin. The grapes come from a historic vineyard planted with vines more than 200 years old on sandy soil over granite bedrock. The vines are trained on traditional pergolas which help protect the fruit from the humidity of Galicia’s Atlantic climate. Depending on the vintage the producer allows between 10 and 15 percent of the grapes to develop noble rot which contributes concentration and a smoother texture without obscuring the varietal character. After harvesting the grapes are destemmed and undergo a short period of cold skin maceration before pressing. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using yeasts selected from the vineyard. The wine subsequently rests on its fine lees which contributes body, texture and aromatic complexity. It has a pale and bright golden color with aromas of fruit, flowers and citrus accompanied by mineral notes. Pronounced acidity and granite-influenced minerality balance the concentration derived from the old vines.