Deep gold color; melon, lemon zest, apple, pear on the nose; lemon-lime, melon, green apple, citrus, sea salt on the palate.
Dry; expected good acidity (3.55 pH) with saline notes behind it. No tannins, no oak. Grapes from century-old vines in the Salnés Valley are hand-harvested, then fermented in low-temperature stainless steel vats. Delivers some depth, complexity, and length. Approachable with intriguing softness with the fruit experience while still wreathed by the crisp acidity and classic salinity. 13.5% ABV
Palacio de Fefiñanes has been making wine since the 1600s. The commercial company and iconic label were created in 1928. Bodegas president Juan Gil de Araújo notes: “A wine should speak clearly of its origins, evoking the land it originates from and remain true to its unique character and differentiating nature. We have staunch ally in this task: the Albariño grape variety, characterized by a heady and universal subtlety that is innate to its Atlantic character.”
Rías Baixas is located in northwestern Spain on the Atlantic coast. The variety is known as “the wine of the sea” because of its proximity to the ocean and the resulting, distinctive saline elements. Albariño grapevines are some the oldest living grapevines in the world—up to 300 years old. Americans are discovering this delicious, versatile varietal. U.S. sales of albariño wines were some $12 million last year, a 14% increase. There are more than 180 wineries making albariño in the small coastal region of Rías Baixas now. In northwestern Portugal, this is known as alvarinho. Spanish and Portuguese vineyards are only separated by the Minho River. Almost all of the world’s albariño/alvarinho wine comes from those two regions.
Bodegas del Palacio de Fefiñanes Albariño d Fefiñanes, Rías Baixas, Spain 2019 is classic albariño with acidity and saline. Vibrant fruitiness and intense flavors. Fresh. Elegant. Varietally spot-on correct. Easy drinking, versatile. Works as an aperitif. Stunning paired with seafood and fish dishes; tuna tartare; Asian cuisine. $19-21
Bodegas del Palacio de Fefiñanes website
