They say that to stride towards the future, one must know where one comes from. And in the Valle del Avia, (Ourense, Galicia), where mist gently embraces the terraces and granite holds centuries of memory, Bodegas José Pariente has discovered more than just an estate: it has found a story worthy of continuation. A narrative penned by Arsenio Paz, an 86-year-old viticulturist and a significant force behind the revival of the D.O. Ribeiro and the restoration of its indigenous varieties, now entrusted to a family equally versed in turning a passion for wine into a legacy.
José Pariente has spent decades captivating palates with its vibrant whites from Rueda, elevating the verdejo and sauvignon blanc varieties to new heights. Yet, its story has never been solely about grapes: it has been about passion, precision, and purpose. Now, this expertise is being brought to Galicia, with the same sincerity that has made them an essential name in the wine world. A Vilerma is not a spontaneous venture; it is a considered decision, born out of respect and an authentic connection with those who began this journey.
A Vilerma is a white wine that embodies the typicity of Ribeiro with an elegant and contemporary interpretation. Crafted exclusively from grapes of the estate—where native varieties such as treixadura, albariño, godello, loureira, lado, and torrontés coexist—this blend originates in poor soils of granite sands and clay, with a 220-metre slope that imparts character to the vineyard. Fermented and matured with care in stainless steel, used 500-litre barrels, and ovoid concrete, with a subtle ageing on lees, the wine expresses itself with intensity: notes of fennel, bay leaf, stone fruits, citrus, wet stone, and white flowers, with a complexity and a persistent finish that invites further exploration.
A Vilerma is a wine to enjoy leisurely, with seafood in the sun, delicate fish, flavourful rice dishes, or a platter of fresh cheeses. But above all, it is a white wine for those who seek truth in the glass. With A Vilerma, José Pariente pays homage to a dream that began in 1977 and is now being revitalised with vigour. A white wine that not only celebrates origin but also the courage to keep dreaming.