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 (certified in 2020) 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 2019

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

Winemaking: Hand harvested in early September.  Gentle press after crushing.  Spontaneous fermentation and contact with lees without bâtonnage.  Aged until July in stainless steel.  Bottled in August 2020.

Production: 897 bottles

Torgo & TAL 2019

66% Albariño/34% Treixadura & Loureira from the first terrace of the Finca Torgo.

Winemaking: Hand harvested in early September.  Gentle press after crushing.  Spontaneous fermentation and contact with lees without bâtonnage.  Aged until July in stainless steel.  Bottled in August 2020.

Production: 661 bottles

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.  Bottled in June 2019.

Production: 1,120 bottles

Torgo & TAL 2018

80% Albariño/20% Treixadura & Loureira from the first terrace 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.  Bottled in June 2019.

Production: 1,100 bottles

RP90 - Torgo 2019

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

Issue Date: February 28, 2022

The 2019 Torgo, which I found surprisingly ripe at 14.5% alcohol but also with high acidity (eight grams of tartaric acid per liter of wine), has notes of wet straw and peach, with pungent flavors and an earthy touch. 897 bottles were filled in August 2020. The vines achieved organic certification in 2020.

RP91 - Torgo & TAL 2019

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

Issue Date: February 28, 2022

The white blend 2019 Torgo & Tal was produced with 66% Albariño, and 34% Loureira and Treixadura from their organic vines (certified from 2020) that in the warm and humid 2019 achieved 14% alcohol but retained high acidity. It's peachy and lush, with notes of herbs and wet stones, quite characterful and natural, with pungent flavors. 661 bottles were filled in August 2020.

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.