Albariño

The Albariño is the most refined white grape variety in Galicia and one of the most celebrated

varieties in Europe. The best soils for cultivating Albarino vines are granitic or slate, fortunately

Galicia is the world’s  biggest slate producer thanks to its abundance, the same can also be said

for granite where there are vast deposits.

Throughout the Rias Baixas its an Atlantic climate with damp, misty winters, high rainfall and

mild temperatures, however there are slight variations between the subzones which comprise

the DO, for example Ribera do Ulla and Val do Salnes are colder areas due to their proximity

to the coast, the warmest is Condado de Tea where occasionally temperatures can reach

40 degrees centigrade but on the other hand these two also have cold winters with frequent

frosts and very high rainfall; O Rosal is slightly warmer due to the coastal influence.

The range of aromas of Albariño is one of its most defined and personal characteristics.

They are intensely fruity whilst young but they broaden with age, with complex hints of apple,

banana and aromatic herbs once they evolve, however the intense fruity character of Albarino

should have a good level of acidity so that these wines do not result in becoming flat and cloying. 

There is a tendency towards fermentation in American and Galician oak barrels, this has had great

success of this DO in recent years, thereby obtaining unctuous wines with longer lifespans,

eventhough this isn’t the norm they do have a good future ahead, with hints of vanilla, spices

and toasted bread.