In 2020, they were able to purchase two plots totaling one hectare in the parish of Pazos de Arenteiro in the village of Boborás, the northern limit of the Avia Valley. The plots have a full southern exposure, which guarantees the ripening of red varieties. So, in 2021, they produced a 2021 Tinto that is different from the wines with the same name produced in 2018 and before. These two plots, planted with the traditional Ribeiro varieties plus a little Sousón, were used for this red, which could be considered a new wine in the portfolio because it's so different, but it's the continuation of O Pequeno Mein. This is 34% Sousón, 24% Garnacha Tintorera, 22% Caíño Longo, 10% Caiño Tinto, 9% Brancellao and 1% Ferrol with 11.5% alcohol and 6.12 grams of acidity. It fermented in stainless steel and used barriques, where the wine matured for 10 months. The year was very cold, and the wine is delicate and young. It reminds me of the reds produced in the past, with elegant rusticity, a strong personality and a combination of balsamic and herbal notes, with wild berries and flowers, developing a note of beeswax and honey with time in the glass. It's medium-bodied with very fine tannins. This should be released in the spring of 2024, as they feel the wine is improving in bottle. 4,563 bottles and 184 magnums were filled in July 2022.
92 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Nov 2023)
The 2021 Mein from Val do Avia in Ribeiro, a blend of Caíño Longo, Garnacha Tintorera, Brancellao and Sousón, among others, was produced in a cool year. It displays herbal ripe green notes with vine flowers, cherry, eucalyptus and herbs. Light-bodied tense and fruity, it finishes green and red, delicate and precise.
91 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous (Mar 2025)
Punchy, flinty nose with discreet fruit. Smoked cherries with peppercorn and dried meat. Almost quite sulfurous, too. The medium-bodied palate has lots of sour black cherries and grilled herbs on offer with smooth tannins and a succulent, medium-length finish. Delicious now.
91 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Jul 2023)
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