Fedellos Do Couto

The terroir of Ribeira Sacra? Not as ancient as you might think! Picture this: what little flat land once existed was submerged over 40 years ago with the damming of the Sil and Mino rivers. And while Spain was seeing a mass migration from rural to urban areas, Ribeira Sacra held on to its warmest and driest vineyards – those south- and west-facing gems. But as valleys turned into lakes, the microclimate shifted: morning fogs lingered, nights warmed, and the glare off the water made those once "best" spots a tad too toasty for local grapes.

Enter Fedellos do Couto – a passion project born from overlooked, untamed sites: north- or east-facing, a challenge to farm and reach, but bursting with potential. Luis Taboada, custodian of the ancient Pazo do Couto, recognized the worth of these forgotten vineyards. With viticulturalist Pablo Soldavini, and winemakers Curro Bareno and Jesus Olivares, they launched Fedellos do Couto in 2011. Inspired by their Gredos roots and the likes of Landi, Garcia, and Isart, their wines are a nod to elegance and power.

At Fedellos, it's all about the grapes: 20-70 year-old vines, native co-fermentations, and gentle macerations in concrete and oak. The result? Four stunning wines: Bastarda, Cortezada, and Lomba dos Ares, plus a field blend of white varieties called Conasbrancas. Get ready for a taste adventure!