Benito Santos Albariño 'Igrexario de Saiar' Rías Baixas DO 2023

The name Benito Santos looms large in the modern history of Rías Biaxas: he played a significant role in the creation of the Rías Biaxas DO in the 1980s, after all. Benito started out working in his grandfather’s vineyards in the ‘30s, and began making wine to serve in his bar - wine that became a frequent winner in the annual Fiesta de Albariño in Cambados. After Benito passed away, San Francisco native Todd Blomberg took over the winery, using all the knowledge Benito had passed down to him as they worked together. Todd farms three vineyards in the Val do Salnés subzone of Rías Biaxas, all of which are certified organic, no small feat given the wet, mildew-friendly climate of the area. Each of the vineyards is situated next to and named after an ancient church: Saiar, Bemil, and Xoan, and each vineyard is vinified separately with native yeasts and minimal sulfur to preserve the individual character of each site. ‘Igrexario de Saiar’ is a vibrant, textured albariño that boasts aromas of apricot, peach blossom, and citrus, with a whiff of fresh cut hay. On the palate it delivers luscious layers of stone and tropical fruit alongside salty mineral streaks and a zesty backbone of mouthwatering acidity. Certified organic.