Feliz Skins 2020 | Albillo Mayor | Ribera del Duero

Feliz Skins 2020 by Vino Feliz

This wine is a 2020 vintage produced by Vino Feliz, led by winemaker Félix Marina Gil in the Ribera del Duero Denomination of Origin, specifically within the village of Hoyales de Roa in Burgos. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 900 meters and consist of seven hectares of organically farmed Albillo Mayor vines.

The vinification process is distinctive for its extended skin contact. The grapes undergo ninety days of skin maceration, making this an orange wine: white grapes fermented with their skins. Following this lengthy extraction, the wine matures for eighteen months in 500-liter barrels made from French oak and acacia. The final resting period occurs in cement tanks before bottling.

As an orange wine made from Albillo Mayor, Feliz Skins exhibits the complex characteristics typical of extended skin fermentation. This method typically yields a wine with significant texture, tannic structure, and amber hues, distinguishing it from standard white wines. The combination of high-altitude viticulture and organic farming practices contributes to the purity and concentration of the fruit base.

Critically, the wine has received a score of 93 points from Tim Atkin. This rating underscores the quality and execution of this experimental approach within the traditionally red-wine-focused Ribera del Duero region. The use of diverse wood types (French oak and acacia) during aging likely imparts subtle woody nuances that complement the natural tannins derived from the skin contact.

Overall, Feliz Skins 2020 represents a bold, artisanal interpretation of Albillo Mayor. It bridges the gap between traditional Spanish white varieties and modern winemaking techniques, offering a structured wine that reflects its specific terroir and meticulous production methods.