Long time assistant winemaker to superstar Raul Peréz, José “Pepiño” Pereiro López-Quecuty broke out on his own back in 2011 to plant a 3-hectare vineyard in the small village of Carballeda de Avia. This organically farmed project features Caiño Longo and Brancellao grown on granitic sand. We instantly fell in love with the bold and elegant structure of the “Xanledo” blend.  It resembles a Touriga Nacional from the Douro without all the weight behind it. The final blend is 100% whole cluster fermented with native yeasts with 40 days of skin maceration to add texture. The wine is raised for 10 months in various sized used French oak barrels to add just the right amount of backbone. You’ll fall in love with its aromatic delivery of violets, Asian spices, and ferrous notes. Your olfactory system will be put into overdrive. The mid-palate emphasizes a cascade of red and black fruits laced with minerals and crushed stones. This poised and well-chiseled wonder will have no problem being tucked away for two to five years. From a region more known for its crisp, aromatic white blends, this Ribeiro Tinto certainly took us by surprise. You'll regret not buying multiple bottles. Viva España!