Lalama 2021 | Ribeira Sacra

Wine Identification
Lalama is a red wine produced by Dominio do Bibei, located in the Ribeira Sacra Denominación de Origen within Galicia, Spain. This specific release is from the 2021 vintage.

Origin and Viticulture
The grapes for Lalama originate from Dominio do Bibei’s estate vineyards, which span 23 hectares at altitudes between 300 and 700 meters above sea level. The vines range in age from 24 to 100 years, contributing significant concentration and complexity to the wine. The vineyards feature a predominant western exposure, with vines trained using both espalier and bush vine methods. The blend is dominated by Mencía at 85%, complemented by Brancellao, Mouratón, Sousón, and Garnacha Tintorera. Harvesting is conducted manually in small 10 kg boxes to ensure gentle handling of the fruit.

Winemaking Process
Dominio do Bibei employs rigorous selection and natural winemaking techniques for Lalama. After harvesting, grapes are refrigerated at 6 ºC for 24 hours. A double manual selection process occurs both in the vineyard and in the winery, followed by destemming. The must undergoes a pre-fermentative maceration of 2 to 4 days before fermenting with indigenous yeasts in French oak tronco-conical tanks (25, 35, and 45 hl). Daily punch-downs are performed during fermentation. Following manual draining, the wine undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation in 300 and 500-liter barrels. The final aging process lasts 15 months, with a portion of the wine resting in French oak barrels (10% new) and the remainder in large format fudres of 15 and 30 hectoliters. Gravity is used for all transfers during this period.

Tasting Profile and Critics’ Reception
Lalama presents as a structured red wine reflecting the cool climate and slate soils of Ribeira Sacra. The extended aging in both small barriques and large fudres contributes to its complexity, balancing fresh fruit character with subtle oak influence.

The wine has received high praise from notable critics. The Guía Peñín awarded it 95 points, while The Wine Advocate (Parker) gave it 93 points. These scores indicate a wine of considerable depth, typical of the best expressions from Dominio do Bibei’s historic vineyards.