Forjas del Salnés

More than a century facing the Atlantic

Forjas del Salnés is a family winery located in Meaño, in the heart of Rías Baixas.
Although the current project officially began in the 2000s, the family’s relationship with vineyards started much earlier.

The oldest vineyard they work today was planted in 1912, at a time when Albariño was still far from becoming an international phenomenon.

A key family in the history of Rías Baixas

Francisco Méndez Laredo is a fundamental figure in understanding the project.
He was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Rías Baixas Denomination of Origin in the 1980s and one of the strongest advocates for the viticultural potential of the region.

Before his passing in 2001, he left a very clear idea to the next generations: to also recover the tradition of Galician Atlantic red wines.

And that is where the modern adventure of Forjas del Salnés truly began.

Rodrigo Méndez and the new Galicia of wine

José Manuel Méndez and Rodrigo Méndez revived the family project with a different vision: to make wines that spoke more about the vineyard than about technique.

Since 2005, they have worked alongside winemaker Raúl Pérez, one of the most influential figures in contemporary Spanish wine.

The combination of family tradition and a modern perspective has made Forjas del Salnés one of the most respected wineries in Galicia.

Albariño, old vines, and Atlantic landscape

The heart of the project remains Albariño, grown from historic vineyards spread across Meaño, Sanxenxo, Cambados, and Barro.

Atlantic influence completely defines the style of the wines: freshness, tension, natural acidity, and a marked saline character.

These are wines that seek balance and depth rather than exuberance.

The recovery of Galician red wines

One of the most important aspects of Forjas del Salnés has been the recovery of traditional local red grape varieties that had historically been forgotten.

Thanks to this work, they now produce Atlantic reds that are light, fresh, and extremely expressive, far removed from heavy or overripe styles.

An approach that has helped change the perception of Galician red wine both inside and outside Spain.

A philosophy based on respect

The philosophy of Forjas del Salnés is built around minimal intervention and a strong focus on the origin of the grapes.

The winemaking seeks to preserve purity, texture, and expression of the landscape without unnecessary manipulation.

Forjas del Salnés today

Today the winery manages small vineyard parcels spread across different parts of Salnés, many of them old and farmed using traditional methods.

Its limited production and the growing prestige of its wines have turned the project into one of the essential names of the new Galician wine scene.

Forjas del Salnés at Coalla Gourmet

At Coalla Gourmet, we select Forjas del Salnés because it represents an authentic, Atlantic-driven Galicia deeply connected to the vineyard.

Wines that seem light… until you realize everything that lies behind them.