Producer Profile
Bodega Chaves
Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
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Bodega Chaves
Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
The first ever producer planted Albariño in Rías Baixas.
Bodega Chaves is a family-owned winery in the Salnés Valley of Galicia, Spain, an area renowned for producing Albariño. With roots that trace back to the mid-20th century, Bodega Chaves has been at the forefront of winemaking in this region, one that has a significant impact on the establishment of the Rías Baixas appellation, which is now recognised globally as the heartland of Albariño wines.
Location: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
Viticultural standards: Sustainably farmed
Working with us since: 2024
Website: https://www.bodegaschaves.com/
Interesting fact: Bodega Chaves is the first Albariño producer in the Rías Baixas region. The estate began producing Albariño in 1966, a full 36 years before the appellation was officially found in 1988.
Bodega Chave’s wines
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A Family Legacy
The Chaves family’s winemaking journey began in the 1940s with Cándido Chaves, who initially focused on producing a red wine, Tinto Barrantiños, for his wife’s wine tavern. The popularity of this wine inspired the family to expand their vineyard holdings and increase production, which led to the founding of Bodega Chaves in 1955. By the 1960s, Cándido had acquired 2.7 hectares of land on Cambados’ highest hill, a prime location that would later become the “Grand Cru” of the estate’s Albariño production.
The Albariño Connection
The shift toward Albariño was sparked by a chance encounter with a century-old Albariño vine owned by Cándido’s great-uncle, Secundino. Fascinated by this resilient vine, Cándido grafted it onto his Fornos vineyard in 1965, marking the beginning of Bodega Chaves’ journey with Albariño. This decision dramatically changed the estate’s direction, and later, it put the region on the world map of wine.
Over time, Cándido’s dedication to this white grape variety, combined with the assistance of local expert Jesús Requena, established Bodega Chaves as a pioneering Albariño producer. Bodega Chaves was recognised as the first Albariño producer in the Salnés Valley and was one of the earliest registered wineries under this new designation.
The Vineyards: Galicia’s Unique Terroir
The vineyards of Bodega Chaves are located at the highest point of Cambados, on a hill 80 meters above sea level, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
This prime location provides the vines with a unique microclimate influenced by cooling sea breezes. The maritime conditions protect the grapes from excessive heat during the summer, preserving their natural acidity and freshness—key characteristics of Albariño. The estate’s primary vineyard, Fornos, is nestled between the municipalities of Ribadumia and Cambados.
Winemaking Principles
At Bodega Chaves, the focus is on respecting the heritage and natural qualities of Albariño. From vineyard management to the winery, every step is carefully considered to enhance the Albariño grape’s inherent flavours. This approach has remained consistent over generations, with a focus on preserving the natural acidity, minerality, and aromatics that define Albariño from the Salnés Valley.
Thanks to the determination of Cándido, Albariño and Rías Baixas has made this unique corner of Spain prominent on the world wine map. Tino, a passionate third-generation winemaker, is now the driving force behind Bodega Chaves, continuing the legacy of Albariño in Rías Baixas.