Bodega Torgo - A Cañiza, Pontevedra, Galicia

Torgo wines are made by Magdalena Paramés and Javier Barba from a one-hectare vineyard on land purchased in small plots by Magdalena's grandfather in the 1940's. Magdalena's mother inherited the property and replanted the vineyard around the year 2000. The property is surrounded by granite walls, with fruit trees, flowers, and water springs abound. Organically farmed since 2016 and with some biodynamic practices. Torgo is located outside of any DO and they do not intend to increase production beyond their one hectare. Intervention in the winery is almost nonexistent, spontaneous fermentation is basic for them. Magdalena and Javier just want to get the best and most representative wine from their tiny independent vineyard and winery. Torgo is expected to be Organic Certified in 2020.

Torgo 2018

100% Albariño from the second and third terraces of the Finca Torgo.

Winemaking: Hand harvested in mid-September.  Gentle press after crushing.  Spontaneous fermentation and contact with lees without bâtonnage.  Aged until May in stainless steel.  Low total SO2 (47 ppm). Bottled in June 2019.

Production: Only 1,120 bottles!

Torgo & TAL 2018

80% Albariño/20% Treixadura & Loureira

Winemaking: Hand harvested in mid-September.  Gentle press after crushing.  Spontaneous fermentation and contact with lees without bâtonnage.  Aged until May in stainless steel.  Low total SO2 (57 ppm). Bottled in June 2019.

Production: Only 1,100 bottles!

RP91 - Torgo 2018

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

Issue Date: June 11, 2020

I found the 2018 Torgo, an unusual pure Albariño, to be quite reductive/flinty in a way I like very much. In previous vintages, it also contained some Treixadura and Loureira, even though I feel the variety is not that important here. The vines, planted on granite sandy soils, are organically farmed. The wine fermented with indigenous yeasts and was kept with lees until the spring. There is ripeness without excess, and this has some river stones/moss character that is mixed with the grainy granite feeling. It is balanced and harmonious, with a very pleasant subtle bitterness. A serious mineral white. 1,120 bottles were filled in June 2019. Look for the vintage on the lot number.

RP91 - Torgo & TAL 2018

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

Issue Date: June 11, 2020

The 2018 Torgo & Tal was very different from the eponymous pure Albariño. This is a blend of Albariño from the higher part of their vineyard on sandy granitic soils and some 20% Treixadura and Loureira, which might be the reason why it's more balsamic but in a restrained way. It's also nuanced, reticent and serious, complex and insinuating, not fruit-driven or with obvious aromas, more about herbs and rocks. Again, it's ripe and has volume, but it comes through as balanced, quite mellow and tender, delicate rather than powerful. This was also kept with lees until bottling. 1,100 bottles were filled in June 2019.