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OUR PHILOSOPHY
PHILOSOPHY
At Adega Algueira, we believe the Ribeira Sacra is one of the most extraordinary wine landscapes in the world. Our project was born with a clear purpose: to rescue heroic vineyards, recover traditional grape varieties, and express through wine the pure essence of this unique land.
Since 1979, we have been working to bring life back to ancient terraces along the Sil River, restoring vineyards that were nearly lost. Every vine planted, every stone wall rebuilt, every parcel recovered reflects our commitment: to preserve heritage, to respect the landscape, and to let the land speak through every bottle.
“My first vineyard was planted in 1979: the Viña de Carballo Cobo. That old vineyard, hidden among stone terraces, captured me from the very first moment.”
Our philosophy rests on three core pillars:
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Recovery and protection: restoring historic vineyards, slate soils, and centuries-old terraces that hold the memory of the Ribeira Sacra.
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Celebrating diversity: beyond Mencía, we cultivate and craft wines from Merenzao, Brancellao, Sousón, Caíño, Godello, Treixadura, and other native varieties that enrich the region’s identity.
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Innovation rooted in tradition: exploring, experimenting, and creating wines that surprise, always faithful to the terroir and respectful of nature.
WHY A WHITE?
The Ribeira Sacra has long been known for its bold reds, yet the potential for whites was always present. From the beginning, we planted Godello in the Carballo Cobo vineyard. On its mineral soils, under sun and scarcity of water, it showed remarkable structure and complexity.
That discovery gave birth to Escalada, our first Godello aged on lees, and later inspired us to recover vineyards across the river in Abeleda. There, on stony, abandoned terraces, we planted Godello, Treixadura, and Albariño, creating Cortezada: a mineral, structured, and elegant white wine that proves the hidden potential of this land.
“Although our land was known for powerful reds, we always felt that white wines could reveal another, unexpected side of the Ribeira Sacra.”
WHY ONLY MENCÍA?
Tradition suggested focusing solely on Mencía, but exploring forgotten vineyards revealed much more. Among old vines, we found rare varieties such as Merenzao, Brancellao, Sousón, Caíño—each with its own personality and story to tell.
Through small experiments we discovered wines that were silky, elegant, and surprising, far beyond expectations. These trials gave birth to Risco (Merenzao), Serradelo (Brancellao), Castagaia (Sousón), Amaral (Caíño), and more.
“Each variety is a voice from the past, rediscovered and allowed to sing again on these steep terraces.”
By embracing diversity instead of limits, we have enriched our project and expanded the identity of Ribeira Sacra wines.
THE SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
For us, every new wine begins with a question: why not try this? why not rediscover that? This curiosity, rooted in respect for tradition, drives us to keep exploring.
The result is not just a collection of wines, but a living expression of memory, diversity, and the future of the Ribeira Sacra.
