O Cabalin is a red wine produced in Carbellada de Valdeorras with varieties such as Mencía, Garnacha Tintorera, Merenzao, Brancellao, Ferrón, Mouratón and Sousón by the Adega O Cabalin winery.
The winemaking process begins with the manual harvesting of the grapes in 15 kg boxes. Subsequently, fermentation is carried out in 500-litre open barrels, using indigenous yeasts. During this process, 30% of traditionally trodden grapes are added, while the rest is destemmed without crushing.
After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in 500-litre barrels.
All the grapes used come from different south-facing plots. These plots are located on very steep slopes at an altitude varying between 560 and 650 metres above sea level. The soils are shallow slate. The vines were planted between 1918 and 1929. These plots are located in the municipality of Carballeda de Valdeorras, in the V-shaped valley formed by the Casoio river, a tributary of the Sil.
Tasting Notes of O Cabalin
The wine has a cherry red colour with a brownish rim. It is a very clean colour, in keeping with its maturity.
In terms of aromas, we can appreciate perfumes of spices, balsamic freshness and notes of ripe, fleshy and sweet fruits. With proper aeration, earthy notes and a ferrous minerality are also revealed. In general, it shows great complexity and harmony on the nose.
On the palate, the wine shows an outstanding fruitiness, highlighting the flavours of cherries, raspberries and blueberries. These fruits are at their peak of ripeness, which gives it a warm touch that combines with the unctuousness of the white chocolate, but contrasts with the freshness of its high acidity.
The wine is remarkably clean and has a smooth, rounded texture. It is a very refined wine, boasting outstanding structure and elegance.
