Forjas del Salnés Goliardo Tinto 2022

Forjas del Salnés is a family winery in Meaño, in the Val do Salnés heart of the Rías Baixas, with over a century of winemaking behind it. Run by José Manuel Méndez Lázaro and Rodrigo Méndez Arosa, and advised by the respected Bierzo winemaker Raúl Pérez, it is one of the leading champions of Galicia's native red varieties. Goliardo Tinto blends Caíño Tinto, Souson, Espadeiro and Loureiro, grapes that ripen slowly in the cool, wet Atlantic climate and keep high natural acidity. The granitic soils of the Salnés and the maritime setting give the wines a light body, fresh red fruit and a distinct saline, peppery character. These are not easy grapes to ripen, and the cool climate gives a wine of just 12 percent alcohol with firm acidity. After fermentation the wine ages 12 months in French oak, the barrel rounding the naturally grippy tannins of Caíño and Souson without overwhelming the delicate fruit. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows red cherry, redcurrant and a herbal, peppery note with a coastal, saline edge, and the palate is light to medium bodied, fresh and crunchy, with fine tannins and a savoury finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled. It suits roast pork, game birds and mushroom dishes. Farming is sustainable.