Sameiras is a producer that I had the pleasure of visiting in 2021 during my trip to Galicia, Spain. Located specifically in Ribeiro, one of the five wine regions of Galicia, Sameiras mainly focuses on the production of Treixadura.
I first encountered Antonio Sameiras' wines in Ourense at an event showcasing the best reds and whites from the region. After tasting all the wines, I selected my top choices for both red and white. To my delight, these selections were later confirmed as the highest-rated wines at the event, which gave me a gratifying boost of confidence in my palate.
Following this discovery, I was inspired to visit the wineries behind these exceptional wines. Among the whites, I was particularly taken with an Albariño blend, which is a harmonious mix of 25% Albariño, 25% Treixadura, 25% Godello, and 25% Lado.
Antonio tends to 4 to 5 small vineyards, each with its unique character. Some are located close to the Miño River, benefiting from its moderating influence, while others are perched on the hills nearby, still close enough to the river to feel its presence.
The vineyards are managed biodynamically, with Antonio carefully following the moon cycles for canopy management. He also uses sheep compost to enrich the soil between the rows, nurturing the vines naturally. What particularly caught my attention was his commitment to sustainability—Antonio avoids using plastic in the vineyards, instead opting for plant stems to tie the vines to their supports.
The four grape varieties are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks. When the wines reach a density of 1040, they are transferred into 500-liter oak barrels. Each varietal is aged individually before being blended together in precise proportions of 25%. It's worth noting that Antonio only has four barrels—one for each varietal.
This Albariño blend is nothing short of stunning—complex and structured, with a biscuity touch from contact with the lees during its aging in oak barrels. It's definitely a wine meant to be enjoyed with food, particularly seafood, fish, oysters, or paella.
There are only a few bottles left, but if the feedback remains positive, we can expect more from Antonio soon.
