Happy Albarino Day
The Albarino grape is native to Galicia on the North Atlantic coast of Spain and is a key grape variety in the Rías Baixas DO region. The grape is also grown in north west Portugal, called Alvarinho, Uruguay and California. The wines are typically citrus forward, peach, saline and mineral characters with a lip smacking acidity. It can be either a light or full bodied wine depending on winemaking techniques - use of oak or lees ageing to add texture and richness.
This particular wine is from an exciting, innovative winery named Bodega Garzòn in Maldonado, Uruguay. It is located on the Atlantic coast which provides a lovely cooling influence over the vineyard. It’s geological makeup dates back over 2,500 million years ago called the Crystalline Basement. Over time the soils broke down and changed into what is called ballast soils. The soils are moderately deep, moderately well drained soils that are formed from calcareous shale and limestone making the wines complex, mineral rich and energetic. Bodega Garzón’s many vineyard plots each have their own microclimate, different orientations, varied levels of humidity, sun exposure and soil characteristics.
Grapes are hand-picked at optimum ripeness. Hand selecting bunches guarantees that the grapes will be fermented to tip top quality. The wine is fermented as follows - 20% 3 to 6 months on the lees in French oak barrels and 80% in cement tanks. The vinification process minimizes winemaking intervention for maximum representation of the terroir and grape. Their winning combination of organic practices and sustainable facility (The 19,050 m² building has a capacity of 2.2 million liters and is the first sustainable, LEED certified (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) winery outside North America), strong tradition and famed winemaking team of winemaker Alberto Antonini, enologist Germane Bruzzone, agronomist Eduardo Félix explains why their wines have won so many awards & are a winemaking leader.
This particular Albariño wine is a fresh yellow green color with aromas of grapefruit, peach, lemon, apple, and minerals. The palate is slightly off dry with flavors of grapefruit, peach, lemon, apple, white pepper, cream, melon, cloves, pineapple and minerals. It’s creamy texture, crisp acidity and fruity profile makes it a delicious summer wine and great food pairing option.
Pair with fish, shellfish, light meats - scallop ceviche, grilled scampi, Asian cuisine, lemon roasted halibut or ahi tuna salad.
