Producer Profile
Benito Santos
Benito Santos is a central figure in the modern history of Albariño and the Rías Baixas D.O. He started working in his grandfather’s vineyards in the 1930s, making wine for his bar. These wines consistently won prizes at the annual Fiesta de Albariño in Cambados. In the 1980s, Benito played a crucial role in establishing the Rías Baixas D.O. Today, the current owners cultivate three vineyards in the Val do Salnés subzone of Rías Baixas, each named after a nearby ancient church: Saiar, Bemil, and Xoan. These vineyards are now certified organic, a notable achievement in the humid, mildew-prone climate of Rías Baixas. The winemaking process employs only native yeasts and minimal sulfur.
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Where The Wines Come From
Galicia
Galicia, nestled in the lush greenery of northwest Spain, boasts a burgeoning natural wine scene that embodies the region's rich cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty. Renowned for its rugged coastline, misty mountains, and emerald valleys, Galicia provides an ideal terroir for cultivating grapes with distinctive character and flavor. Natural winemakers in Galicia embrace traditional methods, eschewing additives and pesticides in favor of organic and biodynamic practices. This commitment to sustainability and authenticity results in wines that express the unique essence of the land, showcasing vibrant acidity, minerality, and a sense of place. From crisp Albariños along the coastal Rías Baixas to robust Mencías in the inland valleys of Ribeira Sacra, Galician natural wines captivate the palate with their purity and complexity, offering a taste of the region's soul in every sip.
