Pale straw color; nectarine, lemon, honeydew melon, wet stone on the nose; citrus, nectarine, lemon, white fruits, minerality and saline on the palate.
Dry; plenty of acidity with dash of saline—classic elements of a quality albariño—delivered by the Atlantic Ocean and the wide estuary of the Rïo de la Plate in Uruguay. This is not a pure albariño play—Don Pascual may not have had enough of the variety to accommodate international production. Blend of albariño, chardonnay, and pinot grigio.
Uruguay and Don Pascual are experimenting with albariño. This experiment clearly went well. Uruguay has been making wine for a very long time, but they are relatively new to running with the big dog international wine producers.
Grapes harvested in early morning to preserve aromatics. Only first press used in the wine. Fermented using selected yeast in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The result is a nice, largely varietally correct presentation of albariño from a South American country that does not come immediately to mind when you think of wine. Uruguay is best know for tannat, where it indisputably shines, but this is significant assertion to pay attention to Uruguay in general. 12% ABV
Uruguayan wine is still developing and evolving. They do not have slick, sophisticated marketing and online tools, which somewhat limits what I can present on my websites and blog, but they definitely in the arena and learning as it goes. Uruguayan wines are more than worth swirl when you have a chance. Unexpected wines from unexpected places is a major joy of playing in the world of wine. Don’t pass up Uruguay.
Don Pascual Coastal White Albariño Blend 2022 is tart, fresh, round, marvelously easy to drink. Good acidity and minerality thanks to the western edge of the Atlantic—Spanish and Portuguese iterations of this grape reflect their proximity to the other side of this ocean. Not a pure albariño play—chardonnay and pinot grigio participate in the drama—but overall it retains albariño in the starring role. Pair with fish and seafood; steamed mussels; scallops in butter. Cheese—soft cheese like burrata; semi-hard cheeses such as manchego, gouda, salty feta. $10-13
Esatblecimiento Juanico (Don Pascual winery) website
Don Pascual Coastal White website (English)
