ALBARIO 2007

Albarino is a variety of white wine grape grown in Galicia (northwest Spain) and Mono (northwest Portugal), where it is used to make varietal white wines.
The most distinctive White Grape in Spain and now producing its most expensive dry whites. It is grown almost exclusively in Galacia in Spain's rainsodden north-west, and in Portugal`s Vinho Verde region where it is known as Alvarinho. Its thick skin enables it to withstand the damp climate of Galicia and the subsequent fruit is small, sweet and high in glycerol, producing wines high in alcohol and acidity. High quality Albario dominated wines are intensely aromatic and redolent of peaches, apricots and almonds on the palate. They have the ability to age gracefully and many growers are now experimenting with oak maturation. The finest Albario wines come from the Rias Baixas zone of Galicia and now sell for very high prices.

Wine characteristics
The grape is noted for its distinctive aroma, very similar to that of Viognier, Gewurztraminer, and Petit Manseng, suggesting apricot and peach. The wine produced is unusually light, and generally high in acidity with alcohol levels of 11.5-12.5%.

Major regions
Spain produces Albario to a significant degree in the Ras Baixas DO.It is also common in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal, but it is only authorized to be grown in Mono. In recent years Albarino has attracted the attention of Australian winemakers, several of whom are now producing varietal wines. However, it has recently been discovered that grape growers and wine makers in Australia have been supplying and selling wrongly labelled Albarino for over a decade. They thought they were pouring money into the market for the Spanish grape, only to discover they were incorrectly sold cuttings of the French Savagnin grape instead. A French expert visiting Australia raised questions in 2008 and DNA testing has confirmed that the grapes are in fact French Savagnin. Almost all wine in Australia labelled as Albarino will be Savagnin.

Vineyard: Made from the grapes from our 12 ha Pazo de Barrantes Estate. Ras Baixas D.O. (Galicia). Grapes: 100% Albario. Harvest: It began on the 25th of September, 2007..The albario grapes are harvested by hand and taken to the winery in small cases. This vintage has given remarkably low yields. Key aspect of Vinification: Once in the cellar, these grapes are first carefully and partially destemmed and then pressed in a low pressure pneumatic press. This process helps extract the maximum aromatic potential from the grapes. The grape must is fermented in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks, for 30-40 days, at 14-16C. Fermentation takes place in absence of the grape skins. Time in deposit: 5 months. Time in bottle before being released:2 months.

Recommended foods: Ideal with any kind of seafood, white fish and rice dishes. Serving temperature: 12-13 C.