Forjas del Salnés
Rodrigo ‘Rodri’ Méndez has been a driving force for quality wine in Rías Baixas since the mid-2000s, continuing the family legacy begun by his grandfather, Francisco Méndez, who founded Do Ferreiro with Rodri's uncle Gerardo Méndez.
Rodri named his winery Forjas del Salnés (Forges of the Salnés) as an homage to his grandfather’s work as a blacksmith. He farms 12 hectares in the villages of Meaño, Sanxenxo, and Barro, some of which he owns and others which he rents from local growers. Like his uncle Gerardo, Rodri also has an affinity for old vines: the “Finca Genoveva” vineyard is planted with 180-year-old albariño and caíno tinto vines on granite soils from which he makes a white and a red single-vineyard wine.
In the mid-2000s, Rodri set out to produce red wines from grapes that were historically planted in Rías Baixas, seeking guidance from renowned winemaker Raúl Pérez. By experimenting with whole cluster fermentation, light extraction, and extended oak aging, they are making pioneering wines that explore the potential of these grapes.
In 2011, he further expanded his portfolio with a separate line of wines under his own name, producing both whites and reds from various plots around the Salnés Valley, including a Pinot Noir made in Bierzo with Raúl Pérez.
The Wines
Leirana 100% albariño from vineyards throughout the Val do Salnés, made in French oak foudres of 10,000, 5,000, and 2,500 liters, both new and used, with 6 months of aging.
Leirana Genoveva 100% albariño from a single vineyard planted in 1862. Aged 12 months in used 2,500L French oak foudre.
Leirana O Pradiño 100% albariño from a single 15-year-old vineyard, aged 12 months in 50% new and 50% used 600L French oak barrels.
Goliardo A Telleira 100% caíño tinto from a single 80-year-old vineyard, fermented in open tanks and aged for 2 years in 50% new barrels.