Bernardo Estévez Chánselus Castes Tinto

Not to mention the great oenological potential of Galicia. In this community, located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, there are 5 denominations of origin (Monterei, Rias Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro and Valdeorras) with a great variety of grapes. Among the best known are the Albariño, Godello and Treixadura, but they’re not the only ones. In total, about 67 native varieties have been registered. Of these, only 29 are allowed to appear on the label: 16 red and 13 white varieties. 

Recovering these little gems is inevitable in a region where wine is lived so intensely. And that’s what Bernardo Estévez does, a winegrower and oenologist who uses more than 10 native varieties to make Bernardo Estévez Chánselus Castes Tinto in the Ribeiro DO.

The life of Bernardo Estévez Chánselus Castes Tinto begins in the 2,500 hectares of the Ribeiro DO, on the northwestern edge of the province of Ourense and at the confluence of the valleys formed by the rivers Miño, Avia and Arnoia. This region, only 45 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, has a Mediterranean climate softened by an Atlantic influence that’s not greater because it’s protected by the Suido mountain range. There, based on total respect for the land, Bernardo Estévez works with biodynamic and natural principles on vines aged between 12 and 100 years old.

In the winery, the grapes are then destemmed and crushed. Bernardo Estévez Chánselus Castes Tinto is fermented with native yeasts and aged for 9 months in barrels and 12 months in bottle.

A few years ago Galicia used to choose more foreign grapes such as Palomino (typical of the Jerez region). Now the tables have turned and the new generation of producers are ready to exploit the great richness of their own varieties, such as Bernardo Estévez Chánselus Castes Tinto: the best way to get to know the true DO Ribeiro.