An historic Rías Baixas winery, Fillaboa is one of the largest and most beautiful estates in Galicia. Located near the Portuguese border in Salvaterra de Miño (Pontevedra), between the Tea and Miño rivers, the 17th century estate sits on an 182-acre (74 ha) property framed by an old world stone wall and a stunning 15th century Romanesque bridge. The property encompasses a traditional manor house and an abundance of natural plantings, from magnolias to cork trees, and, of course, vineyards dedicated to 100% albariño wines. Fillaboa is known for terroir-driven wines that reflect the legacy of their singular estate.
KEY FACTS
CLIMATE: Atlantic: mild temperatures, and abundant rainfall in the autumn and winter months
ELEVATION: Up to 492 feet (150 m)
SOILS: Granite and alluvial with river stones; sandy loam texture
VINE: 124 acres (50 ha), divided into 12 south-facing parcels; 112 acres (45 ha) are GPE-approved
KEY VARIETAL: 100% albariño
ECO: Committed to biodiversity, vineyards are interspersed with olive trees and gardens
INNOVATION: Pushing the limits of aging albariño wines, encompassing unoaked wines that showcase an aged style
HISTORY
According to winery lore, when the Romans first passed through the Fillaboa property 2,000 years ago, they immediately knew the vines were special. Grapes have been cultivated here for generations, including for wines sent to the Pope. In the years that followed, illustrious tenants cared for the land, committed to preserving its magic. In 2000, the Masaveu family purchased Fillaboa and expanded the estate and its production.
SUSTAINABLE VALUES
At Fillaboa, the natural world surrounds you. In an effort to protect the groundwater and nearby rivers, Fillaboa developed a wastewater treatment plant that cleans and processes all water in the winemaking process. The winery uses ultraviolet light to eliminate possible microorganisms present in the water and a phytobacteria system to decompose viticultural treatment products through natural microbiological action They treat the water for their own use within the winery, but also to make sure any water that goes back into the ground is free from pollutants.
THE TEAM
Fillaboa is owned and operated by the Masaveu family, who trace their winemaking history back to their ancestor Don Federico Masaveu Rivel, who owned vineyards in the mid-19th century in Catalunya. José Masaveu Herrero is the CEO of Masaveu Bodegas and has worked in the wine sector since 1998.
Isabel Salgado has been Fillaboa’s winemaker for more than 20 years and has been making albariño wines for 30 years. With albariño in her veins, she is driven by the the uniquely diverse terroir of Fillaboa and the magic of Galicia.
TERROIR
Fillaboa’s terroir is defined foremost by its rolling hills near the Miño and Tea rivers, home to a range of animal life and vegetation including alluvial forests and Atlantic wet argan. Decomposed granite called xabre in Galicia predominates with sandy loam texture and river stones throughout, creating exceptionally clean, aromatic wines. The acidic soils reinforce albariño’s refreshing acidity and the sandy composition facilitates drainage.
An exhaustive soil study conducted in 2017 has enabled Fillaboa to identify and cultivate 12 distinct parcels to realize their full potential.
Located in the Condado do Tea subzone of Rías Baixas, Fillaboa benefits from an Atlantic influence with abundant precipitation in autumn, winter and spring. While the fall and spring are temperate, summer temperatures can reach as high as 104°F (40°C) with ample diurnal temperature shifts. Due to the relatively higher temperatures of this subzone, albariño has a distinct aromatic profile with pronounced notes of stone and tropical fruits.
FACT
Due to the unique combination of its mild Atlantic climate and well-drained soil, Fillaboa is an ideal site for the native variety of albariño grapes to thrive.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
ALBARIÑO Bodega Fillaboa elaborates wine that expresses the subtlety and depth of their terroir. Albariño, the renowned native grape of Rías Baixas, shows complex aromatics and beautifully structured acidity that make memorable, elegant wines. Fillaboa is fermented in stainless steel tanks and ages on fine lees for six months, lending texture and complexity. Due to the strong backbone of alcohol and acidity, albariño ages exceptionally well, gaining depth and complexity over time.
ARTISANRY All wines are elaborated in small volumes from unique parcels and vinified separately, ensuring care and attention is maintained at every step. Operating with a philosophy of minimum intervention, Fillaboa use only native yeasts in fermentation. The wines are not clarified and minimal doses of ascorbic acid and sulphur are the only products added. Due to the ripeness of the grapes, the wines usually do not go through malolactic fermentation.
FINCA MONTE ALTO The prized Monte Alto pago, which features 17 acres (7 ha) of vineyard that sit at the highest point of the estate, is especially noteworthy. Benefitting from a strong Atlantic character, this emblematic plot lies 492 feet (150 m) above sea level. Proximity to the Miño river gives the soil a sandy-loam texture with lots of pebbles, ideal for cultivation. The wines made from this parcel are extremely limited – Fillaboa elaborates under 1,000 cases last year.
Fillaboa trellises many of the vines with the traditional parra system, which elevates widely spaced vines up to seven feet (two m) off the ground on traditional granite pillars, allowing air to circulate and preventing mold and rot from developing in the humid conditions.
How is the terroir reflected in the wines of Fillaboa?
The albariño cultivated in Fillaboa vineyards shows ripe fruit like pineapple and citrus, and balanced acidity when young. The Atlantic influence, southern hillside exposures, granitic and alluvial soils and lees-aging make wines rich in substance that evolve and age without the intervention of oak. The acidity will continue to support the palate and the aromatics for years to come.
Fillaboa prides itself on balanced wine. Foregoing any malolactic fermentation, the acidity instead balances the alcohol, resulting in exceptionally drinkable wines that maintain their complexity with age.
Fillaboa Selección Finca Monte Alto, Fillaboa, La Fillaboa 1898
Singularities of the winery
Fillaboa is the largest estate in Pontevedra province, and contains one of the largest single extensions of vineyard in all of DO Rías Baixas. It is a rare example of a château-style winery in the region.
Contact: Teresa Muñoz tmunozv@bodegas.masaveu.com
Blend of eight parcels with vines from 18-31 years. Aging potential up to three years
