Pazo da Sinsela San Clemente 2021

Pazo da Sinsela – Exclusivity and Origin in the Heart of Galicia
Located in Sisán, Ribadumia, very close to the Umia River, the Pazo da Sinsela estate is home to around three hectares of vines in a unique terroir. This project is the result of a partnership between two of the most respected names in Spanish wine, Rodrigo Méndez and Raúl Pérez, who have taken on the management of the vineyards and winery for a 20-year period.

Working exclusively with the grapes grown on the estate itself, the goal is to express the authentic character of this special place. The inaugural vintage, 2021, was limited – only 7,000 bottles produced due to the still-reduced yield of the vines. However, the expectation is to reach up to 15,000 bottles per year as the plants reach their full potential.

The soils are rich in silt, which favors moisture retention and provides natural freshness to the grapes (much like limestone, as our friend Parra explained) – a differentiating factor that translates into wines of great elegance, minerality, and balance.

Pazo da Sinsela San Clemente 2021
Region: Galicia, Spain
Sub-region: Ribeira Sacra
Producer: Pazo da Sinsela
Denomination: Vino de Villa (San Clemente)
Vintage: 2021
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol: 12.95% vol
Production: 2,000 bottles

Grapes and Viticulture
White wine made from a plot of old vines on the San Clemente estate. The extremely low yields of the 2021 vintage contributed to a wine of great concentration and structure. Viticulture is carried out with sensitivity to the local ecosystem, and the vineyards are worked manually on steep terraces.

Winemaking and Aging
Spontaneous fermentation and maturation in 1,500-liter oak foudre. The wine aged on fine lees for 12 months, without intervention, respecting the identity of the terroir. It was not subjected to aggressive fining or filtration.

Tasting Notes
A serious and austere white, with subtle and elegant perfume. It shows good fruit maturation, vibrant freshness (pH 3.18), remarkable acidity, and a firm, almost tense structure. The profile is vibrant, mineral, and precise, with great persistence and a sharp finish. A wine that combines depth with clarity, very distinct from the main line of the estate.

Critical Score
96 points – Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)
"Vibrant, vertical and mineral, very long and sharp. A great debut."

Food Pairing
Excellent with shellfish, grilled scallops, baked white fish with fresh herbs, delicate mushroom dishes, or soft-ripened cheeses.

Aging Potential
From 2024 to 2032. Benefits from one or two years in bottle and evolves gracefully.