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Albariño is a variety of white wine grape grown in Galicia (northwest Spain), misty land of the ancient Celts.
Located in the lushly green and hilly northwest corner of Spain, Galicia is a land heavily reliant on the fishing industry. The climate here is greatly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with wet and chilly winters, dry summers, and high humidity—perfect conditions for growing certain white grape varieties, such as Albarino.
Albarino grapes are small and very sweet with unusually thick skins, which help the fruit tolerate the damp climate and also contribute to the acidity and flavor that characterize Albarino wine.
Though the albarino grape can be blended (and it often is!), only wine made from 100% albarino grapes can bear the label “Albarino wine.” Most of the Albarino wine hails from the Rias Baixas D.O. (Denominacion de Origen, which basically means that it’s a Spanish controlled appellation). The Rias Baixas is located in the southern part of Galicia, along the jagged Atlantic coast characterized by deep inlets of seawater called rias. Albarino grapes make up roughly ninety percent of the plantings in the Rias Baixas D.O.
VEIGA DA PRINCESA
The state is located in the most southern and mountainous subzone, Condado de Tea, within the DO Rías Baixas. The Atlantic environment of this area is the perfect habitat for the Albariño. The cool climate of the region and low yields of the native Albariño grape together produce a beautiful white wine with vivid floral and fragrant aromas.
Traditional Galician vine trellises, which stand high so that the grapes are closer to the sun and away from the damp soil, are used in the vineyards. The grapes are hand picked. Only native yeasts are used. The wine is kept in contact with the fine lees until it is bottled.
Grape:
100% Albariño, 30 year old vines
Pairing Suggestions:
It pairs extremely well with Asian dishes and with seafood—especially shellfish (hardly surprising, given its Galician origin). You’ll also find that the fresh acidity of this albarino wine complements most tangy, spicy dishes.
Vinification and ageing:
The grapes are 100% hand picked. Only native yeasts are used. The wine is kept in contact with the fine lees until it is bottled.
5 months in French (80%) American (15%) and Hungarian (5%) oak casks
Location, Soil, Climate:
The state is located in the most southern and mountainous subzone, Condado de Tea, within the DO Rías Baixas. The Atlantic environment of this area is the perfect habitat for the Albariño. The cool climate of the region and low yields of the native Albariño grape together produce a beautiful white wine with vivid floral and fragrant aromas.
Tasting notes:
Pale gold. Vivid lime and grapefruit on the nose, with spicy mineral, jasmine and sea qualities adding vivacity. Racy, sharply focused citrus flavors pick up richer orchard fruit qualities with air, as well as an exotic anise note. The clinging finishing flavors of lime and orange peel are
intense and strikingly pure.
Alcohol Content:
12.0%
Rating:
90 points Robert Parker (Wine Advocate June 2011)
“The 2010 Veiga da Princesa Albarino was produced from a single estate vineyard. Mineral, nutmeg, lemon zest, and floral aromas compose the bouquet of this crisp, concentrated, nicely proportioned Albarino. This vibrant offering will provide enjoyment over the next 3-4 years.”
