About Iria Otero

Holding a PhD in enology, Iria Otero Mazoy stands as a distinguished authority on the wines of northwest Spain. Her extensive knowledge and experience in winemaking are vividly reflected through her vibrant interpretations of Albariño and the traditional red and white blends crafted from Galicia's indigenous grapes. Iria's journey into the world of wine began at her family's dinner table, where her father's presence was seldom without a fine bottle of wine.

Despite this early exposure, a career in winemaking was not her initial path. After earning a degree in Pharmacy, Iria embarked on her professional journey at a pharmacy in London in 2002. However, her passion soon guided her towards enology, leading her to pursue a Bachelor's degree at the University of La Rioja.

This decision marked the beginning of a twelve-year tenure in various winemaking and business roles across Spain, including a notable period at Dominio do Bibei in Ribeira Sacra. Seeking a deeper comprehension of viticulture, Iria completed her doctorate in enology in 2015, focusing her research on the early defoliation of Albariño grapes in Salnés.

This project ignited her passion for Galicia, and upon completing her thesis, she ventured into consulting and producing her own wines in the region. In 2018, she realized her vision by designing and constructing a new cellar. Presently, Iria has access to vineyards in the Atlantic-kissed regions of Rías Baixas and Ribeiro. Here, she crafts lees-aged Albariño and traditional Galician field blends using local white varieties such as Treixadura, Godello, Loureira, and Torrentés, alongside red varieties like Brancellao, Sousón, and Caíño Longo.

Embracing a non-interventionist approach, she concentrates on cultivating and selecting fruit with precision and care. Together with her partner Miguel, they manage their vineyards without the use of herbicides or insecticides, opting for vegetable waste as fertilizer and collaborating exclusively with eco-friendly growers. Their hands-on, spontaneous fermentation processes result in natural wines that truly embody the quintessential style of the region.