Ribera de los Naranjos 2018 | Finca Millara | Ribeira Sacra

Ribera de los Naranjos 2018 by Finca Millara

Produced in the Ribeira Sacra appellation of Galicia, Spain, Ribera de los Naranjos is a red wine crafted by Finca Millara from vineyards located in the Ribeiras do Miño zone, specifically near Pantón, Lugo. The estate sits on steep, south-facing slopes with gradients reaching 50%, characterized by poor slate soil and terraced layouts along the Miño River canyon. The vines are over fifty years old, contributing to the wine’s concentrated character.

The blend combines Mencía, Garnacha Tintorera, and Sousón grapes. Vinification involves fermenting the must with twenty percent whole clusters in oak vats. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a six-month aging period in new 500-liter French oak barrels before spending an additional six months maturing in bottle. Production is limited, with approximately 6,667 bottles released for the 2018 vintage, which was bottled in April 2020.

Sensory analysis reveals a brilliant cherry color with a complex, expressive, and spicy aroma profile marked by distinct mineral notes. On the palate, the wine is elegant yet full-bodied, offering a long and persistent finish. The Wine Advocate describes the 2018 as dark and almost opaque, noting a ripe, creamy, dense, and luxurious profile that aligns with an international style while retaining Atlantic freshness. It is characterized as juicy and impressive, possessing a rusticity that pairs well with powerful foods.

Critical reception highlights the wine’s quality, with the Guía Peñín awarding it 93 points for its complexity and persistence. The Wine Advocate (Parker) assigned a score of 90, praising its density and luxurious texture. Overall, Ribera de los Naranjos presents a robust yet refined expression of the Ribeira Sacra terroir, balancing traditional varietal character with modern winemaking techniques.