Fedellos

Fedellos do Couto: Heroic viticulture in Ribeira Sacra

In the Ribeira Sacra, viticulture is an epic challenge. This region, located on the border between the humid Atlantic coast and the warm interior of Spain, enjoys a unique balance: cool Atlantic winds, abundant sunshine, and the influence of the Sil and Miño rivers.

Half a century ago, the construction of dams on these rivers transformed the environment. Mornings became mistier, nights warmer, and the sun's reflection on the water made some of the best vineyards too hot. Winegrowers, far from giving up, sought out new slopes with cooler northern and eastern exposures, rescuing forgotten vineyards and adapting their work to the new conditions.

Among these pioneers are Carlos (Curro) Bareño and Jesús Olivares, who began in the Sil Valley and later in the Bibei Valley, where they discovered authentic gems of centuries-old vineyards. With patience and dedication, they restored them and today they produce exceptional wines.

Their project, Fedellos do Couto, is located at the confluence of the Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, and Viana do Bolo regions. Since their first vintage in 2013, they have opted for manual viticulture and a minimalist approach in the winery: spontaneous fermentations, without added yeasts or clarification or stabilization processes. Their reds macerate for 45 to 60 days with stems, and their whites for around five days.

Both winemakers began their careers in the Sierra de Gredos, where they worked with legendary figures such as Dani Landi, Fernando García, and Marc Isart of Comando G. Their influence is evident in the wines of Fedellos do Couto: elegant, with great finesse, yet powerful and profound.

They say good things take time. After a long wait, these wines have arrived in Mexico… and we couldn't be more excited. The first of many!

Salud!