Silice Viticultores

Ribeira Sacra, Galicia, Spain

Silice is a project started by winemaker Fredi Torres and the two Rodriguez brothers, Juan and Carlos, both natives of the Ribeira Sacra in Galicia.

Fredi was born in Galicia to Galician parents, and always had a dream of being able to come back and make wine in this stunning, but often forgotten part of the world. Along with Juan and Carlos they were able to bring together a group of farmers and landowners under the Silice Viticultores project to rescue and maintain various old and decaying vineyards along the banks of the River Sil. Beautiful old vines that had not previously been properly cared for or had been abandoned.

The Ribeira Sacra has a long history of winemaking, but sadly in recent years more and more of the younger generations have left the area or are not interested in continuing a farming tradition. Along with a handful of other producers, Fredi, Carlos and Juan are leading the charge in putting this region back on the map, and generating a new wave of enthusiasm locally.

Here we are talking about 50+ year old vines (some 100+) cared for with organic and biodynamic principles, extreme viticulture on steep and dangerous slopes, low yields, and hence farming that is not for the faint of heart. They seek as much purity as possible, with very low extractions, wines of absolute delicacy, and a determination to show the true potential of the Mencia grape.