# Terra Castes Brancas (2023)

- **Producer:** Bernardo Estévez y Xico Mandín
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Doña Blanca, Treixadura, Verdejo
- **Region:** Galicia, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pear, apple, peach, fennel, ginger, cream, toast

## About this wine

Terra Castes Brancas is a natural white wine created through a collaboration between viticulturist Bernardo Estévez and Xico Mandín in Galicia, Spain. Sourced from high-altitude terraced vineyards in Arnoia rooted in granite, slate, and clay soils, the vines are over 30 years old. The project is guided by Japanese natural farming pioneer Masanobu Fukuoka's philosophy, practicing sustainable agriculture with zero chemical inputs or aggressive mechanical intervention.

## Interesting facts

- Grown following Masanobu Fukuoka's natural farming philosophy with zero chemical inputs or tilling.
- Bernardo Estévez left his previous career as an auto mechanic to revive heritage Galician vineyards.
- Received an extraordinary 98–99 point score from Lobenbergs Gute Weine for the 2023 vintage.

## Food pairing

This wine's vibrant Atlantic acidity and textured lees aging call for dishes with fresh sea flavors, rich texture, or clean proteins. Fresh seafood and roasted white meats highlight its mineral spine without overwhelming its delicate nuance.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested in small crates at peak physiological maturity, the native Galician grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts in neutral oak vessels. The wine matures for 9 months on fine lees in French oak barrels before bottling. It is produced with minimal intervention, remaining unfiltered and unfined with low added sulfites.