Meet Rodrigo Méndez

Rodrigo Méndez is a leading winemaker in Galicia and the driving force behind Forjas del Salnés, widely recognized for his work with old vines and indigenous varietals in the Atlantic influenced region of Rías Baixas. He is a key figure in the new wave of Spanish winemaking, focused on purity, site expression, and authenticity. Working in the Val do Salnés subzone, his vineyards are planted on granitic soils close to the Atlantic Ocean, where a cool, humid climate ensures slow ripening and high natural acidity. Many of the vines are old, traditionally trained on pergolas, contributing to low yields and concentrated yet elegant fruit. Specializing in Albariño as well as rare red varietals such as Caiño, Espadeiro, and Loureiro Tinto, Rodrigo Méndez crafts wines that are fresh, saline, and highly expressive of their coastal terroir. His work highlights the diversity and potential of Galicia beyond its classic white wine identity. In the cellar, he follows a low intervention philosophy, using native yeast fermentations, whole cluster techniques where appropriate, and aging in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak to preserve freshness and texture. The resulting wines are precise, energetic, and structured, with excellent aging potential. At Origine, we feature Rodrigo Méndez as part of our premium Spanish selection, showcasing winemakers who combine heritage, innovation, and terroir expression. His wines reflect the essence of Atlantic Spain vibrant, mineral driven, and deeply connected to their origin.