Rias Baixas Albariño, Condes de Albarei 2022
Country
Spain
Region
Galicia
Producer
Bodegas Condes de Albarei
Grape(s)
Albarino (100%)
Type
White
Style
Crisp
Oaked Style
Unoaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Bone dry
Alcohol Content
13%
Closure Style
Screw cap
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
No
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
No
Vegan
No
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
The Galicia region sits on Spain’s estuary ridden northwest Atlantic coast. This coastal region is wet, yet it is where the fashionable Albariño grape variety thrives on the granite soils. In the south, the Rias Baixas, which means `lower inlets’, supports vines trained high on pergolas in order to keep them well aired from the damp climate, producing fresh, elegant and aromatic wines. The Godello variety is most happy in the relatively warmer and drier valley of Valdeorras, crossed by the river Sil, which is located inland, on the eastern limit of Galicia. Godello’s bunches are compact with smallish and yields are relatively low, which probably contributed to the variety`s near abandonment in the past.
Producer
The origin of Condes de Albarei started with a small group of winegrowers, each with their respective job; teachers, electricians, plumbers, farmers, etc. In 1988 they founded Condes de Albarei and in 1991 it became the first Spanish white wine to receive the gold medal in Bordeaux. Condes de Albarei has its own vineyard of 300 hectares, but they are spread over more than 3,000 different plots. This smallholding means that each vinegrower can be thorough in the cultivation of his vineyard and thanks to this they obtain a great quality of grapes. The vineyards are in the Salnes Valley which is the sub region of Rías Baixas in the Galician region in northwest Spain. Rías Baixas has a great influence from the Atlantic Ocean, giving freshness and a saline touch to Albariño grapes.
Tasting Notes
Very fashionable dry white wine that has secured an international demand (having `been seen` in Madrid`s Tapas Bars). Characterised by a lively freshness and dry minerality with a creamy finish. The Albariño grape variety thrives on its cool coastal location in Northern Spain and produces fresh elegant wines with a captivating floral bouquet and apple, pear and peach flavours. A clean, bright yellow-straw colour with greenish glints. Fresh, with attractive aromas typical of the Albariño grape, dominated by stone fruit (peach, apricot) and tropical fruit (pineapple, passionfruit). White flowers (orange blossom) and hints of citric also coming through. Well-balanced, fresh and pleasant showing delicious varietal character.
Food
The high acidity makes this wine a perfect accompaniment to fish and shellfish, Mexican food and pasta.
Media
90 points awarded in The Wine Spectator November 2008. Gold Medal at Concours Mondial 2008. Silver Winner at the Sommelier Wine Awards 2014.
