Rías Baixas in the Media

Rías Baixas in the Media

(June - December 2019)









Jun 11, 2019
Circulation 25.600

June in Bloom: What to Drink Now, the Top Wines of Summer 2019

By Elyse Genderson

From Albariño to Zweigelt Rosé I’ve got you covered with a dreamy selection of seasonal wines to
explore. From old standbys like Sancerre to new discoveries like Schiava there is something for everyone
in this summer wine roundup. A great summer wine should be approachable, lively, and of course,
refreshing. There are 15 weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day so there’s plenty of time to try
them all!

Rosé
While everyone should drink rosé all year-round, summertime just begs for the crisp pink drink.
Sophisticated and dry styles from Southern France are the pinnacle for quality, but standouts are made
around the world including Austria.

2018 Terre de Mistral Rosalie Provence Rosé ($19.99)
This stunning rosé is aromatic and perfumed with strawberries, rose petal, and violets. Piercing,
refreshing acidity with a smooth texture. Its lively freshness makes it the perfect beach wine for the
season. Pair with salty potato chips and fried chicken.
2017 Lustig Zweigelt Rosé ($14.99)
This Austrian rosé is just delicious, with flavors of strawberry, melon, and a hint of dried green herbs.
2018 L’Olivette Bandol Rosé ($22.99)
L’Olivette from the Mediterranean’s most serious rosé appellation, Bandol, is a bold blend of mostly
Grenache, offering rich concentration. Fresh strawberry, hibiscus, and tangerine burst out of the glass.
Riesling
The noble Riesling grape is full of complexity, mouth-watering acidity, and vivacious freshness. Discover
the many styles of Riesling which range on the scale from honeyed tropical sweetness, to bone-cracking
dryness. Dry Riesling is a wonderful choice in warm summer weather due to the light alcohol content,
high acidity, and natural fruit flavors. The best examples have the ability to age for decades in the bottle.

2017 Weingut Eugen Wehrheim Riesling Niersteiner Spiegelberg QbA Halbtrocken ($12.99)
While this style is slightly off dry or “Halbtrocken” the refreshing acidity creates balance and perfect
harmony with the residual sugar. It is the perfect match for grilled sausages.
2015 Kilikanoon Killermans Run Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia ($19.99)
Spicy white pepper, citrus blossom, ripe pineapple, white cherries, and lemon rind show off on this
outstanding Clare Valley expression.
2013 Wunsch and Mann Riesling Grand Cru Hengst Organic ($29.99)
This bone dry style from the best vineyard sites in Alsace offers exotic tropical fruit aromas of pineapple
and citrus, along with subtle spice. A perfect match with rich flavors like smoked fish. This wine is aging
well and it will continue to improve.
Sancerre
France’s Loire Valley is the home of a simple summertime classic. While some mass produced wines
from the region can be a bit one dimensional, the best examples are extremely rewarding. Schneider’s
selections are made by serious winemakers in small batches offering aromatic and complex flavors of
lemon-lime citrus, melon, green herbs, and stony minerality with rich texture.

2018 Gitton Silex Les Belles Dames Sancerre ($29.99)
Produced from vines grown on silex soils of the 12-acre vineyard, Les Belles Dames, this Sauvignon
Blanc truly expresses a sense of place. Flinty minerality, acidity, and tart citrus fruit. This thirst quenching
Sancerre has a wonderfully rich texture.
2016 Cirotte Le Chene Marchand Sancerre ($39.99)
Smoky and spicy aromas and flavors from 18 months spent aging in small acacia barrels. This stunning
Sancerre is full of ripe peach, honeydew melon, and lemon.
Albariño

The most well-known grape variety in Galicia flourishes in Rías Baixas, Albariño is considered Spain’s
quintessential white wine. The sea influence is prominent and the best wines display a briny, salty
character backed by zippy acidity. The granitic soils in Rías Baixas contribute to the mineral expression of
the terroir. Think Pinot Grigio on steroids!

2017 Sonrío Cuando Llueve Albariño ($19.99)
Aromas of green apple, lemon, pear, and pineapple burst from the glass. The palate has a creamy and
round texture along with racy acidity to create a balanced and lively white wine.

Summer Reds – don’t forget to chill!
While white wine and rosé are always the obvious choice, branch out and chill down these juicy reds.
Every red wine should be served at cellar temperature, easily achieved with about 10 minutes in the
refrigerator. However, there are some wines that, in summer, could be chilled down even more and
enjoyed with reckless abandon.

2017 Castelfeder Schiava “Alte Reben” Alto Adige DOC ($19.99)
Schiava is an indigenous grape from Alto Adige in the Italian Alps. It is the local favorite for everyday
drinking, as it is low in tannin, high in acid, loaded with red berry fruit, very food friendly, and just
delicious!

2015 Barrique Cellars Grenache, Paso Robles, California ($19.99)
Bright and fresh raspberry with notes of clove and white pepper spice. Well-balanced with bracing acidity
and soft tannins.

Jun 12, 2019
Circulation 5.000

Green Spain in a Glass: Albariño from Rías Baixas

By Wanda

Greed is good when it comes to Albariño from Rías Baixas. Trust me, it would be foolish to deny yourself
the pleasure of sipping this charming white wine from Galicia, also known as "Green Spain" because of its
lush landscape. Galicia's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, unique climate, and mineral-rich soils imbue
Albariño grapes from Rías Baixas with impressive freshness, crispness, minerality, and salinity. And it's
not surprising that the finest expressions of Albariño hail from Rías Baixas; the grape is indigenous to the
region.

Within the Rías Baixas DO (Denomination of Origin), there are five sub-regions with unique micro-
climates that produce wines with subtle differences. Easy-breezy expressions of Albariño may be the
most familiar but other styles are also available, including sparkling and aged. There's nothing boring
about Rías Baixas Albariño; these are white wines with presence, personality, and panache. Aromatic,
fruity, crisp, and dry; Albariño from Rías Baixas merits a place in your glass. I recommend exploring
Albariño from Rías Baixas with these four fantastic wines. Cheers!

Terras Gauda O Rosal 2017 ($24)
A seductively aromatic blend of Albariño (70%), Caiño Blanco (22%), and Loureiro (8%). Rich and intense
with hints of ripe peach.

Vionta Albariño 2017 ($15)
100% Albariño. Creamy with a tinge of salinity and lively flavors of lemon and green tea.

100% Albariño, Paco & Lola 2012 ($50) shows that Albariño has the capacity to age beautifully. Rich and
round with good acidity, it is a harmonious tapestry of ripe fruit flavors with a tinge of cream, toast, and
salinity.

Albariño gets the sparkling treatment in Sensum Laxas 2017 ($48). Made in the traditional champagne
method, this elegant expression of 100% Albariño grapes has delicate bubbles and hints of honey and
brioche.

Jun 12, 2019
Circulation 25.600

Toast dad with gifts from the vine

By JIM CAMPANINI

Here are several extraordinary options for the dad and/or grandad on your list.

1.If dad is a golfer, plant a bottle of Meiomi Pinot Noir ($16.59 at Costco) in his cart. The California wine,
which is America’s top-selling $15-and-above label, recently became the official wine of the PGA Tour,
signing a three-year partnership deal. Watch Tiger Woods putt and sip Meiomi, which will take center
fairway at all PGA Tour events, including The Players Championship and Tour Championship. For its
part, Meiomi wines will conduct a nationwide retail sweepstakes in which the winner will receive an all-
expenses-paid trip for four people to play TPC Sawgrass in Florida. Sign up dad now at
wine.social/meiomigolf and keep your fingers crossed. He could wind up playing the golf course of his
dreams all because of you.

Decanter magazine recently awarded La Fillaboa 1898, a 100% albarino varietal wine from Spain, as its
Best of Show out of 16,200 registered international wine entries. This elegant white, whose name
translates as “the good daughter,” hails from the famous Rias Baixas region. The best grapes from eight
vineyards are selected for La Fillaboa, which ages on fine lees for six years to develop rare, complex
characteristics and its creamy texture. Decanter’s top selection is from the 2010 vintage. In Spain it sells
for $29 to $35 a bottle — a pittance for its quality and prestige — but it is largely unavailable in America.
Is dad worth a buying spree trip to Barcelona? You betcha! (Fillaboa also has a low-end albarino ($13-
$16) that is available in some U.S. markets.)

3.Ruffino Riserva Ducale “Oro” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2014 ($40) is a mouthful, but what do
you expect from liquid gold Italian-style? This is a most exquisite Chianti. Aged for 36 months in oak,
stainless steel and concrete vats, “Oro” (gold) is a superb blend of sangiovese (85%), merlot, and
colorino. It’s full-bodied and packed with plum, cherry, balsamic herbs, pepper and sweet tobacco notes.
Give dad the rich taste of Tuscany with this gem.

4.For older “Star Wars” fans, take dad and grandpa on an intergalactic wine trip to Disneyland’s Galaxy’s
Edge complex, where “Toniray” and “Imperial Guard” are staples in Olga’s Cantina. Made by California’s
Goldschmidt Vineyards, Toniray is a teal-colored bubbly featuring citrus and orchard fruit flavors, while
Imperial Guard is a robust cabernet sauvignon. Go intergalactic and never look back.

5.Back to earth with this sensational triple play from Oregon’s Willamette Valley Vineyards: Pinot Gris
($15.99), Rose of Pinot Noir ($15.99) and Pinot Noir ($20.99). These are “whole cluster” wines, meaning
grapes, stems and seeds are crushed and fermented collectively in stainless-steel tanks prior to
refinement. The process enhances color, texture and flavor. The iron-rich volcanic soil, called Jory,
supplies distinctive traits only found in Willamette Valley. Three special wines for dads of all specialties.

6.For the price of new tie, get dad on the sparkling wine kick with a bottle of Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs
($19.99). It’s bubbly, biscuity and creamy, and boasts 100% Napa chardonnay. Drink from the glass of
inspiration with this apple-flavored beauty and, of course, toast the No. 1 guy in your life.





Jun 13, 2019
Circulation 528.790

Make Dad the toast of the tow

Say "Happy Father's Day" this Sunday with a gift of wine. Here are five extraordinary options for the dad
and/or grandad on your list.

1. If Dad is a golfer, plant a bottle of Meiomi Pinot Noir ($16.59 at Costco) in his cart. The California wine,
which is America's top-selling $15-and-above label, recently became the official wine of the PGA Tour,
signing a five-year partnership deal. Watch Tiger Woods putt and sip Meiomi, which will take center
fairway at all PGA Tour events, including The Players Championship and TOUR Championship. For its
part, Meiomi Wines will conduct a nationwide retail sweepstakes in which the winner will receive an all-
expenses paid trip for four people to play TPC Sawgrass in Florida. Sign up Dad now at
wine.social/meiomigolf, and keep your fingers crossed. He could wind up playing the golf course of his
dreams all because of you.

2. Decanter magazine recently awarded La Fillaboa 1898, a 100 percent Albarino varietal wine from
Spain, as its "Best of Show" out of 16,200 registered international wine entries. This elegant white, the
name of which translates as "the good daughter," hails from the famous Rias Baixas region. The best
grapes from eight vineyards are selected for La Fillaboa, which ages on fine lees for six years to develop
rare, complex characteristics and its creamy texture. Decanter's top selection is from the 2010 vintage. In
Spain, it sells for $29-$35 a bottle — a pittance for its quality and prestige — but it is largely unavailable in
America. Is Dad worth a buying spree trip to Barcelona? You betcha! (Fillaboa also has a low-end
Albarino ($13-$16) that is available in some U.S)

3. Ruffino Riserva Ducale "Oro" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2014 ($40) is a mouthful, but what do
you expect from liquid gold, Italian-style? This is a most exquisite Chianti. Aged for 36 months in oak,
stainless-steel and concrete vats, "Oro" (gold) is a superb blend of sangiovese (85 percent), merlot and
colorino. It's full-bodied and packed with plum, cherry, balsamic herbs, pepper and sweet tobacco notes.
Give Dad the rich taste of Tuscany with this gem.

4. For older "Star War" fans, take Dad and grandpa on an intergalactic wine trip to Disneyland's Galaxy's
Edge complex, where "Toniray" and "Imperial Guard" are staples in Olga's Cantina. Made by California's
Goldschmidt Vineyards, Toniray is a teal-colored bubbly featuring citrus and orchard fruit flavors while
Imperial Guard is a robust Cabernet Sauvignon. Go intergalactic, and never look back.

5. OK, back to Earth with this sensational triple play from Oregon's Willamette Valley Vineyards: Pinot
Gris ($15.99), Rose of Pinot Noir ($15.99) , and Pinot Noir ($20.99). These are "whole cluster" wines,
meaning grapes, stems and seeds are crushed and fermented collectively in stainless-steel tanks prior to
refinement. The process enhances color, texture and flavor. The iron-rich volcanic soil, called Jory,
supplies distinctive traits only found in Willamette Valley. Special wines for Dads of all specialties.

6. For the price of a new tie, get Dad on a sparkling-wine kick with a bottle of Mumm Napa Blanc de
Blancs ($19.99). It's bubbly, biscuity, creamy and boasts 100 percent Napa Chardonnay. Drink from the
glass of inspiration with this apple-flavored beauty and, of course, toast the No. 1 in your life.





Jun 13, 2019
Circulation 228,570

Make Dad the toast of the tow

Say "Happy Father's Day" this Sunday with a gift of wine. Here are five extraordinary options for the dad
and/or grandad on your list.

1. If Dad is a golfer, plant a bottle of Meiomi Pinot Noir ($16.59 at Costco) in his cart. The California wine,
which is America's top-selling $15-and-above label, recently became the official wine of the PGA Tour,
signing a five-year partnership deal. Watch Tiger Woods putt and sip Meiomi, which will take center
fairway at all PGA Tour events, including The Players Championship and TOUR Championship. For its
part, Meiomi Wines will conduct a nationwide retail sweepstakes in which the winner will receive an all-
expenses paid trip for four people to play TPC Sawgrass in Florida. Sign up Dad now at
wine.social/meiomigolf, and keep your fingers crossed. He could wind up playing the golf course of his
dreams all because of you.

2. Decanter magazine recently awarded La Fillaboa 1898, a 100 percent Albarino varietal wine from
Spain, as its "Best of Show" out of 16,200 registered international wine entries. This elegant white, the
name of which translates as "the good daughter," hails from the famous Rias Baixas region. The best
grapes from eight vineyards are selected for La Fillaboa, which ages on fine lees for six years to develop
rare, complex characteristics and its creamy texture. Decanter's top selection is from the 2010 vintage. In
Spain, it sells for $29-$35 a bottle — a pittance for its quality and prestige — but it is largely unavailable in
America. Is Dad worth a buying spree trip to Barcelona? You betcha! (Fillaboa also has a low-end
Albarino ($13-$16) that is available in some U.S)

3. Ruffino Riserva Ducale "Oro" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2014 ($40) is a mouthful, but what do
you expect from liquid gold, Italian-style? This is a most exquisite Chianti. Aged for 36 months in oak,
stainless-steel and concrete vats, "Oro" (gold) is a superb blend of sangiovese (85 percent), merlot and
colorino. It's full-bodied and packed with plum, cherry, balsamic herbs, pepper and sweet tobacco notes.
Give Dad the rich taste of Tuscany with this gem.

4. For older "Star War" fans, take Dad and grandpa on an intergalactic wine trip to Disneyland's Galaxy's
Edge complex, where "Toniray" and "Imperial Guard" are staples in Olga's Cantina. Made by California's
Goldschmidt Vineyards, Toniray is a teal-colored bubbly featuring citrus and orchard fruit flavors while
Imperial Guard is a robust Cabernet Sauvignon. Go intergalactic, and never look back.

5. OK, back to Earth with this sensational triple play from Oregon's Willamette Valley Vineyards: Pinot
Gris ($15.99), Rose of Pinot Noir ($15.99) , and Pinot Noir ($20.99). These are "whole cluster" wines,
meaning grapes, stems and seeds are crushed and fermented collectively in stainless-steel tanks prior to
refinement. The process enhances color, texture and flavor. The iron-rich volcanic soil, called Jory,
supplies distinctive traits only found in Willamette Valley. Special wines for Dads of all specialties.

6. For the price of a new tie, get Dad on a sparkling-wine kick with a bottle of Mumm Napa Blanc de
Blancs ($19.99). It's bubbly, biscuity, creamy and boasts 100 percent Napa Chardonnay. Drink from the
glass of inspiration with this apple-flavored beauty and, of course, toast the No. 1 in your life.

Jun 27, 2019
Circulation 186,180

Here are some wines that pair well with your Fourth of July celebrations

By Gus Clemens

July 4th falls on Thursday, dicey day for a holiday. Some will enjoy flag waving four-day weekend, while
others must soldier up, salute job responsibilities, take the fifth on Friday.

Summer celebrations call for less alcoholic, chilled wines. Forego the big bad reds of deep winter.
Embrace gossamer delights of rosé, Prosecco, vinho verde. If you have followed my recent wine trend
reports, you know rosé and Prosecco are firework rockets of wine the past year or more. Also cue up
Portugal’s vinho verde, plus Spain/Portugal albariño/alvarinho — three wines made with basically the
same grape and in same area, northern Portugal and northwest Spain near the Atlantic.

The common theme of lighter wine is freshness, crispness, food friendly — especially with seafood and
shellfish. They also are relatively low alcohol, which enhances their ability to pair with food. More and
more people realize wine should be the complementary liquid part of a meal, not a brutal, pay-attention-
only-to-me player in the repast.

Lighter wines have distinct advantage of being perfect for sipping cold while on patio, porch, picnic, or
pool side. They also appeal to wider range of revolution revelers than cab and zin heavy hitters.

Of course, if you are putting marbled steaks on the barby, there is Australian shiraz, or T-bones on the
grill, there is California oak and wood cabs and zins, or planked salmon in the oven, there is Willamette
Valley pinot noir. All well and good, but you could do lighter crisp and refreshing during the day and shift
to heavier stuff in the evening while munching meats. If you adopt that strategy, however, don’t plan on
being very productive on Friday the fifth.

Tasting notes:
Charles Smith Wines Band of Roses Rosé: Classic summer sipper. Will be appreciated by those who
enjoy light, non-assertive wines with delicious fruit, no tannins, tame acidity. $11-13

La Marca Prosecco DOC NV: Pleases range of palates with balance of fruitiness, whisper of sweetness,
brisk acidity. Wonderfully refreshing, subdued alcohol so can be enjoyed any time of day. $13-14

Ramōn Bilbao Albariño 2016: Crisp, fresh, refreshing. Superb expression of albariño. Smooth with
grapefruit tartness. Long finish with classic dash of saline. $12-15

Last round: My favorite wine pairing on July 4th is good wine, good friends, no politics. Let us enjoy what
unites, not petty things that divide.

Jun 27, 2019
Circulation 2,070,000

Adegas Valminor Serra da Estrela Albariño 2018

By Keith Beavers

PERFECT FOR
All-Day Sipping, Pleasing A Crowd, Sounding Like A Wine Pro

DRINK IF YOU LIKE
Albariño, Chenin Blanc, Ribolla Gialla

THE FULL REVIEW
The nose opens with heady aromas of pear and elderflower. There is a hint of chamomile as it opens,
along with a tinge of lemon. The palate is soft, with low acidity, but enough to make the wine grippy yet
refreshing.





July 02, 2019
Circulation 2,070,00

Bodegas Viña Nora Peitan Albariño 2017

By Keith Beavers

PERFECT FOR
Last Minute Wine Runs, Party Wine, Penny Pinching

DRINK IF YOU LIKE
Albariño, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris / Grigio

THE FULL REVIEW
Musky aloe opens the nose of this wine, followed by ripe mandarin citrus. There is some honey, along
with ginger, with a swirl of the glass. The palate is viscous and a little flat, with an added aroma of
jasmine. It is a bit simple, but for the price it’s a good last-minute pick up.

July 02, 2019
Circulation 2,070,00

Paco & Lola Albariño 2018

By Keith Beavers

PERFECT FOR
Dinner Parties, Host/Hostess Gifting, Wine and Cheese Night

DRINK IF YOU LIKE
Albariño, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc

THE FULL REVIEW
Ripe pear and lemon greet the nose of this wine, along with a hint of mandarin. This wine is grapey, yeah
grapey, with some added aromas of wet stone and ginger. The palate is calm, with some weight to it due
to low acidity. It’s a good wine for a Spanish wine and cheese party.

July 02, 2019
Circulation 2,070,00

Terra de Asorei 'Nai e Senora' Albariño 2018

By Keith Beavers

PERFECT FOR
Asian Food, Pleasing A Crowd, Summer Sipping

DRINK IF YOU LIKE
Albariño, Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc

THE FULL REVIEW
Ripe notes of pears and mandarin open the nose of this wine. There is some ginger on the back end with
a hint of musky aloe. The acidity is low but makes for a refreshing mineral-driven mouthfeel. For $15 it’s a
good intro to this grape.

July 05, 2019
Circulation 278,410,000

Albariño finds its inner beauty

By Eric Asimov

Among the first wave of new grapes that came to define today’s era of diversity in wine was albariño, from
the Rías Baixas region of Galicia in northwestern Spain.

The wines were a novelty when they began showing up in Spanish restaurants in the United States in the
early 1990s. The occasional mentions of them through the decade required pronunciation guides: al-bar-
EEN-yo and REE-yas BUY-shas. In 1995, Frank J. Prial, then The New York Times’s wine columnist,
cautioned, “Albariño is not an easy wine to find in this country.”

In short time, though, it caught on, and helped pave the way for other then-unknown white wines to be
welcomed onto the country’s wine list, like grüner veltliner of Austria, fiano d’Avellino of Campania and
assyrtiko of Santorini, as well as other Spanish whites like godello.

While albariño has proved consistently popular since then, it has rarely received much respect from those
looking beyond crisp, cheerful (and preferably inexpensive) whites.

Except for one or two small labels, many of the wines seemed generally to be inoffensive, made by
producers who had taken the temperature of what the audience wanted and given them no more than
that.

As with New Zealand sauvignon blanc, which arrived slightly earlier than albariño and became even more
popular, the producers could aim low because it was a cash cow, successful in the marketplace but rarely
interesting to those who paid careful attention to what they were drinking.

Recently, however, several excellent bottles made me wonder whether it was time to take another look at
albariños.

The wine panel recently tasted 20 bottles of albariño from Rías Baixas. For the tasting, Florence
Fabricant and I were joined by two guests, Caitlin O’Brien, wine manager at Toro NYC in Chelsea, and
Gabriela Davogustto, wine director at Clay in Harlem.

The wines largely came from the 2017 vintage, with a few from 2016 and one each from 2018 and 2015.
Some, as expected, were dry, aromatic and pleasant, while others were grasping for something deeper.
These wines seemed to be more textured, with great minerality and intensity. They demanded
exploration.

“They are discovering who they are,” Gabriela said. “After entering the international market, they are now
trying to go back and discover an identity: ‘How do the wines reflect who we are?’”

It’s a fascinating question, one that could be asked of many wines from historic grape-growing regions
which arrived on the international market in the last 20 years or so.

Some of these wines have traveled a parallel journey in which commercial success is followed by
introspection. Commerce is crucial to sustaining a business. But wine also is an expression of culture,
especially in places that have a long association with a particular grape.

These questions of identity reflect a divide in wine in which some producers measure themselves solely
by what’s in the glass and whether a sufficient number of customers want it. The others are likewise
concerned with the aromas and flavors of the wine, but also with what the wine says about the culture
and place that produced it.

That’s not to say that these producers are reaching back to an earlier era and presenting a
preglobalization interpretation of albariño. But perhaps, rather than producing the clean, correct, possibly
soulless wines possible today because of modern tools, they are returning to techniques that would not
be alien to preindustrial winemakers, in an effort to make the best possible 21st-century wines.

By that I mean painstaking, labor-intensive viticulture in the best sites for albariño. Aiming for quality
rather than quantity, they use methods that might have been recognizable to farmers before the mid-20th
century, when “conventional agriculture” came to mean chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and
routine mechanization.

Those more industrial wines were in our tasting as well. They often had tropical fruit flavors, aromatic yet,
in some cases, slightly candied. Others were thin and tart. These wines did not make our top 10 list.

Our favorites showed strong mineral flavors, tangy citrus notes and lively acidity. These are wines that
demand to be served with fresh seafood, the sort that would go with a zippy citrus spritz. I came to think
of some of them as the citrus addition to a dish like ceviche.

Some bottles had the sort of richer textures that were evidence of barrel aging and the presence of lees,
the sediment of yeast after fermentation is completed. If properly managed, the lees can add an
antioxidant component to the wines, as well as a creamy texture.

Our favorite was the 2015 Do Ferreiro Cepas Vellas, which was taut, complex and deep. Cepas Vellas is
a Galician term for old vines. This has been a longtime favorite of mine, and in many ways has been a
standard-bearer for how good albariño can be.

Even though it was the oldest wine in the tasting, it’s a bottle that typically requires aging before it begins
to open up. It has years to go.

The rare Cepas Vellas costs around $50; its less expensive Do Feirrero sibling, about half the price, is
still very good, though it was not in our tasting.

Even at $50, the Cepas Vellas was not our most expensive bottle. That was the $80 2017 Sketch from
Raúl Pérez, a superstar winemaker in Spain who has pushed the quality limits in any number of regions.

Sketch was one of the richer albariños in the tasting, with aromas and flavors of Meyer lemons and
flowers. It skirted awfully close to over-extravagance but kept its balance nicely. Still, for $80 you are
buying scarcity, the Pérez name and, no doubt, his meticulous methods.

Nos. 2 through 4 on our list were more typically priced, around $25 a bottle. You could probably find more
than a few albariños under $15, but I would be surprised if any were as good.

No. 2 was the 2017 Envidiacochina Tête de Cuvée from Adega Familiar Eladio Piñeiro, made from
biodynamically grown grapes. It was substantial yet energetic, with citrus, floral and mineral flavors. The
2017 Aquitania from Bodegas Aquitania textured and resonant, with citrus and savory saline flavors,
ranked at No. 3.

Our fourth wine was the 2017 Albariño de Fefiñanes from Bodegas Palacio de Fefiñanes, a historic
producer in Galicia, which dates its association with wine back to the 17th century. This wine was rich,
textured and deeply mineral, with citrus, herbal and floral aromas and flavors as well.

No. 6 was the fresh, briny and textured 2017 from Alberto Nanclares, one of my favorite new discoveries.
It was another bottle of this wine, which I tried a few months ago, that prompted my new interest in
albariños. The 2018 Igrexario de Saiar from Benito Santos — tense and fresh, with saline and citrus
flavors — came in at No. 7. It was also our best value at $18.

Other bottles highly deserving of your attention include the bright, tightly coiled 2017 Forjas del Salnes
from Leirana; the rich, mineral- and lime-flavored 2017 from Bodegas La Caña; and the tangy 2017 Val
do Salnes from Zarate.

As good as our favorite wines were, it has to be said that many less interesting bottles are out there, the
kind that, as Caitlin said, have made albariño “a bit of a brand name” in the wine-by-the-glass world.

Yet the good ones suggest albariño from Rías Baixas has a tremendous amount of untapped potential.
As more producers start to focus on quality and aim to express the particular characteristics of the local
terroirs, I would expect more excellent wines to start to appear pretty soon.

Minerally, With Citrus Flavors
★★★½ Do Ferreiro Rías Baixas Albariño Cepas Vellas 2015 $50

Taut, tense, complex and deep, with great mineral flavors. Clearly benefited from extra aging. (De Maison
Selections, Chapel Hill, N.C.)

★★★ Adega Familiar Eladio Piñeiro Rías Baixas Albariño Envidiacochina Tête de Cuvée 2017 $24

Rich and substantial, yet tense and linear, with citrus, floral and mineral flavors. (Think Global Wines,
Santa Barbara, Calif.)

★★★ Bodegas Aquitania Rías Baixas Albariño Aquitania 2017 $24

Tangy, textured, resonant and deep, with citrus and saline flavors. (Regal Wine Imports, Moorestown,
N.J.)

★★★ Bodegas Palacio de Fefiñanes Rías Baixas Albariño de Fefiñanes 2017 $25

Rich, textured and deeply mineral, with citrus, herbal and floral aromas and flavors. (Classic Wines,
Stamford, Conn.)

★★½ Raúl Pérez Sketch Albariño 2017 $80

Deep and rich, with flavors of Meyer lemons and flowers. It’s on the edge of overripeness, but never
strays over the line. (Skurnik Wines, New York)

★★½ Alberto Nanclares Rías Baixas Albariño 2017 $34

Fresh, briny and textured, with citrus, herb and mineral flavors. (José Pastor Selections/Llaurador Wines,
Fairfax, Calif.)

Best Value

★★½ Benito Santos Rías Baixas Albariño Igrexario de Saiar 2018 $18

Tense and fresh, with aromas of flowers and saline and citrus flavors. (David Bowler Wine, New York)

★★½ Leirana Rías Baixas Albariño Forjas del Salnes 2017 $30

Bright yet tightly coiled, with steely acidity; aromas and flavors of flowers and citrus. (Olé Imports, New
Rochelle, N.Y.)

★★½ Bodegas La Caña Rías Baixas Albariño 2017 $20

Richly textured and deep, with lingering lime and mineral flavors. (Jorge Ordóñez Selections/Fine Estates
From Spain, Dedham, Mass.)

★★½ Zarate Rías Baixas Albariño Val do Salnes 2017 $22

Tangy, lively and lush with citrus and peach flavors. (The Rare Wine Company, Brisbane, Calif.)

Pairings: Fettuccine With Lobster and Zucchini

Though the briny notes that I frequently associate with albariños from Galicia, Spain, were less evident in
the bottles we tasted, many of the wines compensated with tart citric notes and bright refreshment to
spare. This pasta dish, with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, herbs and lobster, is a fine match, and feta cheese
adds a bit of complementary brininess against the wine. The pasta is quickly made, with the lobster
added off-heat at the end to guard against overcooking; the lobster meat is warmed just enough as it is
gently tossed to acquaint all the ingredients with one another. If you are entertaining but do not prefer
last-minute preparations, as this dish demands, don’t hesitate to prepare it an hour in advance and serve
it at room temperature, glossed with an extra glug or two of good olive oil as a final flourish. FLORENCE
FABRICANT















Jul 24, 2019
Circulation 5,000

Summertime Sipping - 15 White Wines For The Hottest Days of the Year

By Lisa Denning

There’s no doubt that, with the sweltering summertime heat upon us, one of the best ways to cool down is
with a chilled glass of white wine. But are you tired of the same old bottles you’ve turned to for years
now? Ready to discover some new favorites?
Below are white wines from California to South Africa that are sure to be winners at your table, served
with everything from succulent tomatoes, fresh zucchini, and farmstand corn to grilled fish, barbecued
chicken, and even a simply grilled steak.
All of the wines below were sent to me as samples. Out of the 50+ white wines I tasted over the last
several months, these were my top 15. Note: I didn’t include any of the Gewürztraminers I sampled since
they will be featured in a separate post.
Next to each wine, I’ve included my impressions, along with tasting notes. Click on the name of the
producer to find out where to buy them.

$20 and Under:
Baron de Ley Blanco 2017 ($11.99) Country: Spain. Region: Rioja. Grapes: 93% Viura, 7% Malvasia.
Intriguing aromas of exotic tropical fruits, wild herbs and dill. On the palate, medium-bodied with a good
balance of acidity and alcohol and a long creamy finish. An excellent choice with Spanish tapas like
gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes), patatas bravas (crispy potatoes),
pimientos rellenos de atun (tuna-stuffed red peppers), and hard boiled eggs with sardines and
mayonnaise.
Citari Conchiglia Lugana 2016 ($10) Country: Italy. Region: Lugana, Lombardy. Grape: 100%
Turbiana.Tasting Notes: Very aromatic of bright citrus notes, it reminded me of lemon meringue pie. On
the palate there is that initial burst of citrus, along with apple and peach flavors. It finishes with a pleasant

creamy mouthfeel. Note: Lugana wines can be difficult to find. Ask for them at your favorite restaurants
and your local wine shop. Pair with Seafood Pasta with Tomatoes. Other producers to look for: Otella,
Montonale, Zenato, Ca dei Frati.

Chateau Greysac Le Blanc de Greysac 2018 ($18) Country: France. Region: Bordeaux. Grape: 100%
Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting Notes: Distinct nose of a classic Sauvignon Blanc — lemon, grapefruit, and a
touch of grassiness — all very subtle and reminiscent of Sancerre. On the palate, very tasty! Lots of
bright acidity and lemon and grapefruit flavors with a long finish.

Donnachiara Greco di Tufo 2017 ($15) Country: Italy. Region: Campania. Grape: 100% Greco di Tufo.
Tasting Notes: The enticing aromas of tropical fruit, banana and peach follow through on the palate with a
mouthwatering acidity and a long, juicy finish.

Bodegas Fillaboa Albariño 2018 ($18) Country: Spain. Region: Rias Baixas, Galicia. Grape: 100%
Albariño. Tasting Notes: A fresh and fruity wine with a lot of peach and plum flavors. The enticing
aromatics lead you to a well-structured wine with a lot of roundness and a long aftertaste.

IMG_1561.jpeg
Hervé Azo Petit Chablis 2017 ($20) Country: France Region: Chablis, Burgundy. Grape: 100%
Chardonnay. Tasting Notes: A very mineral, lean style of wine with racing acidity that stimulates the
appetite and has you screaming for food! I would pair this wine with oysters, raw fish, really any kind of
seafood. Also, salads and goat’s cheese or other tart, earthy cheeses.

Pagos del Galir Godello 2017 ($19) Country: Spain. Region: Valdeorras, Galicia. Grape: 100% Godello.
Tasting Notes: Enticing aromas of peach and white flowers with a round and creamy mouthfeel. I love the
notes of honey and the pleasing bitterness on the finish. The nice balance of fruit and acidity makes this a
great aperitif wine, as well as for an entire meal.

Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio 2018 ($16) Country: Italy. Region: Alto Adige. Grape: 100% Pinot Grigio.
Tasting Notes: In my opinion, the best Pinot Grigios come from the Alto Adige region in the Tyrolean Alps.
This is one of them and it delivers freshness and lots of complex flavors. It has a very dry, savory quality
and a stony minerality (with a slight iron-like aroma), yet it’s round and creamy with hints of ripe pear,
almond, and licorice. Tip: They’re selling it by the glass at the brand new Arthouse Hotel Wine Bar on the
Upper West Side of Manhattan (77th & Broadway).

Reyneke Vinehugger White 2018 ($17) Country: South Africa. Region: Stellenbosch. Grape: 100%
Chenin Blanc. Tasting Notes: Very floral and aromatic. Loads of honeysuckle, pineapple, and fresh mint.
Lush and creamy on the palate. Finishes with a pleasant bitterness, and leaves behind a taste of honey.
Note: The grapes are sourced from organic vineyards just 20 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

Santiago Ruiz Albariño ($19) Country: Spain. Region: Rias Baixas, Galicia. Grapes: 76% Albariño, 11%
Loureiro, 5% Treixadura, 4% Godello, 4% Caiño Blanco. Tasting Notes: Very aromatic with notes of
peaches and flowers. It tastes drier than expected with a slight, but enjoyable bitterness and a stony
minerality. I even detected a hint of oyster shells. There’s a roundness on the palate with medium acidity.
This wine is excellent with any type of seafood.

$20 - $35:
Domaine Delaporte Chavignol Sancerre 2016 ($27) Country: France. Region: Loire Valley. Grape: 100%
Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting Notes: A classic Sancerre with lively acidity and lots of lemon and mineral-like
flavors that invigorate the palate. One of the best Sauvignon Blancs I’ve had recently - just delicious!

Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Riserva “Giatl” 2016 ($33) Country: Italy. Region: Alto Adige. Grape: 100%
Pinot Grigio. Tasting Notes: Aromas of stone fruits and herbs. The texture is round and creamy with a
zingy acidity and a long finish with a taste that reminds me of lemon meringue pie. There’s a hint of

bitterness on the finish that balances out the rich fruitiness of the wine. Tip: Serve with Mushroom and
Hazelnut Risotto.

T. Berkley Chenin Blanc 2016 ($28) Country: USA. Region: Mendocino, California. Grape: 100% Chenin
Blanc. Tasting Notes: Quite aromatic with notes of honeysuckle. On the palate, the flavor of honey comes
through along with a lovely, fresh acidity and a round and creamy texture. The finish is super long and
honeyed. This is a wine to have with food! I loved it with buttered dill pasta and broccoli, carrots.

35+
Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2015 ($68) Country: France. Region:
Chablis, Burgundy. Grape: 100% Chardonnay. Tasting Notes: Slight notes of oak aging are evident:
subtle vanilla and buttery aromas (35% ages in 3 to 5 year old oak barrels). On the palate there is a
bright, mouthwatering acidity, along with a slightly round texture that coats the mouth with just a touch of
oak flavor. Would be GREAT with lobster!!

Hugel Grossi Laue Riesling 2011 ($71) Country: France. Region: Alsace. Grape: 100% Riesling. Tasting
Notes: Smelling this wine is like putting your nose in a fruit salad! Lots of fresh tropical fruit aromatics:
pineapple, melon, strawberry, papaya, and kiwi. The taste is reminiscent of an exquisite piece of fruit-
flavored candy, but with a refreshing, medium-high acidity and a bit of roundness and texture. In a word,
YUM!

July 25, 2019
Circulation 10,000

WHAT TO DRINK NOW: WINE & CHEESE

If you didn’t know, wine goes well with cheese making today extra sweet as it is National Wine & Cheese
Day! It’s a day I say is better than Christmas, as life without either would be incomplete.

This morning on KXAS-TV/NBC DFW in Dallas I’ll share some of my favorite wine and cheese pairings,
including some of those included in the post below. A link to the segment is here. Cheers!

Wine goes well with cheese, but finding the right mix of creamy or sharp, fresh or aged, red or white can
be confusing. Here is a road map to help you enjoy the tasty celebration.

Sauvignon Blanc with Goat Cheese
If you take the idea of pairing the wine and food from the same place, goat cheese, and Sauvignon Blanc
are ideal. Throughout France’s picturesque Loire Valley region you find grassy, mineral silex filled
Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown near happy goats grazing through the area known as the “Garden of
France.” From their milk, tangy cheeses, like Crottin de Chevignol, Pouligny-Saint-Pierre, and Valençay,
are born. Production of goat cheese throughout Loire dates back to the 8th Century, meaning they have
had lots of time to perfect it.

The region’s racy, high acid Sancerre and Pouilly Fume excels with the zesty cheese, like Pascal Jolivet
Sancerre ($38) and Vincent Vatan Pouilly Fume Silex ($25). Or select refreshing options from Napa
Valley , like Lail “Blueprint” Sauvignon Blanc ($40), Rombauer ($24), Robert Mondavi Oakville Fume
Blanc ($40), Orin Swift Blank Stare ($40). Herbaceous, gooseberry, and citrus filled Sauvignon Blanc
from New Zealand will also work well with fresh goat cheese, like Whitehaven ($20), Kim Crawford ($15),
and Cloudy Bay ($27).

Spanish wines with Spanish cheese
Rueda (Verdejo) and Rias Baixas whites with Manchego
Similarly, looking to regionality, the hard sheep milk cheese of Spain, like Manchego will pair beautifully
with the herbal, grassy notes of Rueda’s young Verdejo variety white wines, like those from Beronia ($15)
and Torres ($10), and mineral intense, briny, ocean-influenced Albarino from Rias Baixas in Spain’s
Galicia region, like Martin Codax ($15).

Rioja (Tempranillo) and Priorat (Garnacha) with Iberico
Blending sheep, cow, and goats milk cheese, Iberico is made similar to Manchego, but is subtly different
in taste as the blend allows for wild herb and grassiness to meld with tangy, earthy characteristics and a
creamy, smooth texture, ideal when paired with Jamon, Chorizo, and a hearty Rioja like Beronia Gran
Reserva or Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva.

Chardonnay with Triple Cream and Brie
There is the thought that you can either meld like with like, or that opposites attract. For sipping with Saint
Andre triple crème cheese I chose like with like, pairing with a buttery Chardonnay. Well-made
Chardonnay, like these selections, ensures there is also acidity, so even though it is a rich pairing, there
is also freshness. Opt for Cakebread ($55), Trefethen Napa Valley Chardonnay ($40) and their full-
bodied, lemon cream and stone fruit filled Harmony Chardonnay ($50), Rombauer ($45), Grgich Hills
($54), Ramey Sonoma Coast ($45), Jordan ($35), Landmark “Overlook” ($30), MacRostie Wildcat
Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay ($40), and Wente Riva Ranch ($20) from Monterey aged 8 months sur lie
in 90% French oak.

Pinot Noir with Gruyere, Emmental, and Swiss
Fruity and light, yet also earthy, light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir melds harmoniously with nutty Gruyere
or Swiss Cheese. Look for fruit-forward options from Russian River, like the superb wines of Ramey
($45), Benovia ($45), La Crema ($40), J Vineyards and Winery ($38), Barnett “Tina Marie” Pinot Noir
($50), and the Central Coast, like Calera ($40) or Hahn SLH. Or opt for truffle and wild berry-filled
Pairings from Willamette Valley, like Stoller “Dundee Hills” ($25), Chehalem “Three Vineyard” ($32),
Adelsheim “Breaking Ground” ($35), and Dobbes Family Estate Grand Assemblage ($30).

Cabernet Sauvignon with Extra Sharp Cheddar
Robust tannins of full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon diminish with hard, sharp, salty extra sharp white
cheddar, drawing out a slightly bitter, distinctive character. Look for “West Country Farmhouse Cheddar”
coming from a farm in Somerset, England where the cheese originated over 1000 years ago. To pair,
consider Stags Leap District Shafter One Point Five, ($95), Clos du Val, or Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon
($78), earthy Rutherford options like Raymond Generations ($145), or Freemark Abbey Rutherford
Cabernet Sauvignon ($70), or a classic Napa selection from Frank Family Vineyards ($58), Ehler’s Estate
($55), ZD Wines Cabernet Sauvignon ($75), or LVE by John Legend ($85).

Syrah and Shiraz with smoked and aged cheese like Gouda
There is a meaty, smoky, bacon-fat note to many Syrah and Shiraz wines of France, Australia, and
America. These wines meld beautifully with smoked and aged cheese, like smoked Gouda, or aged
Parrano and Beemster. Pair with a medium to full body, the wines of the Rhone or Rhone blends, like
Columbia Vision Red Blend ($40), Hickinbotham Brooks Road Shiraz ($80), Yalumba Signature Barossa
Valley Shiraz ($58), M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf du Pape La Bernardine ($70) and EPOCH Veracity ($65)
Southern Rhone-style blend from Paso Robles crafted by SMU grads Liz and Bill Armstrong who started
their Central Coast winery close to the Pacific, benefiting from the maritime influence, to celebrate the
beauty of Rhone varietals.

Zinfandel with pepper cheese, like Pepper Jack, Horseradish or Wasabi
Juicy, fruity, savory Zinfandel shines when paired with spicy cheese, like hot pepper filled jalapeno,
horseradish, and pepper jack cheese. Dry Creek wineries, like Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel ($26) and
Dutcher Crossing Proprietor’s Reserve ($33) keeps the fruit at the forefront, layering blackberry and
blueberry with spice. Frank Family’s 16 months aged Napa Valley Zinfandel ($38) highlights toasted spice
and cedar, thanks to the oak aging of the fruit. Winemaker David Ramey blends 14 varieties with
Zinfandel in his complex Russian River Sidebar Zinfandel ($28), adding distinct texture and power to the
pairing.

Blue Cheese and Port
Perhaps the most classic wine and cheese pairing. The French often finish their meals with a cheese
course, looking to the profound Portuguese producers of Ruby, Vintage, and Late Bottle Vintage Ports to
pair with their Roquefort and Camembert, or my favorite Rouge River Blue from Oregon and super
pungent English Stilton. LBV Port in particular, like Warre’s ($25) or DOWS’s Late Bottle Vintage Port
($25), or Vintage Port, like Graham’s 2000 Vintage Port ($100) meld seamlessly with blue cheese. As
Port ages the robust tannins of the varieties, including Alicante Buchet and Touriga Nacional, soften with
age, allowing the strong character of the cheese to shine, melding with the ripe and dried berry
characteristics of the aged wine.

If these suggestions still have you in a pairing quandary, Champagne and traditional method sparkling
wines will go with everything. I like a classic house-style Brut, not necessarily a Vintage wine, produced
very dry ensuring that the sparkler has refined fruit notes, like apple, lemon, and lime, with toasted notes
of brioche, almonds, and hazelnuts. These sparklers act as the gift wrap: beautiful, stylish, elegant, and
refined, persuading even the most ordinary cheese to shine. I like Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
Champagne ($60), Domaine Carneros Estate Brut ($36), sophisticated Sea Smoke “Sea Spray” Sparkling
Wine ($80), and Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava ($14).

For Parmesan and Prosecco fans, opt for an Italian method sparkler from Prosecco Superiore DOCG, like
Adami Bosco di Gica Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore ($20).





Aug 1, 2019
Circulation 5,000

Wine Review: 2018 Xión Albariño, 2018 Eidosela Albariño, and 2018 El
Circo Payaso Garnacha Rosé

By Flavorfulworld

It’s been said that August has no notable holidays to speak of. Whereas (in the states) July lights up the
night sky every 4th, November is all about Thanksgiving, and December belongs to Christmas and New
Years’ Eve, August has been considered to hold no dates of any significance. So it has been said.

We respectfully disagree.

As it happens, today, August 1st is not just International Albariño Day, but also it kicks off Albariño Week
(August 1-5). What’s more, August 4th, is National White Wine Day, and those are just the tip of the food-
and-wine iceberg, so how anyone can say August isn’t as thick with holidays as any other month is,
frankly, beyond us. Whoever first said that could not possibly have been any kind of wine lover. Luckily,
we at Flavorful World love wine. A lot.

Because we couldn’t make it to Spain to celebrate in proper fashion (by which we mean eat and drink our
weight in Spanish wines and tapas), we’re making do with serving up a trio of reviews from a recent
sampling of Spanish wines. A few days ago, we uncorked two Albariño D.O. wines from Rias Baixas and
a Cariñena D.O.P. And we ate, drank, and made much merriment. Here, we’ll be reviewing 2018 Attis
Bodega y Viñedos Xión Albariño, 2018 Bodegas Eidosela Albariño, and 2018 El Circo Payaso Garnacha
Rosé, as well as offering up food pairings for each.

2018 Attis Bodega y Viñedos Xión Albariño

Pale gold and full-bodied, this dry wine expresses a varied bouquet of peaches, pineapple, lemon peel,
and vanilla cream. Secondary to these are aromas of wet stone, fainter sliced melon, and fainter still
suggestions of new grass. Acidity is fair, imparting enough complexity while allowing the fruity character
to shine through. A creamy finish characterized by impressions of vanilla and lemon tops off the drinking
experience. This is a wine to pair with creamy dishes like risotto or pasta dishes in white sauce, cold
pasta salads or seafood-led dishes like paella, shrimp scampi, grilled shrimp, or fatty, plank-grilled fish
like salmon or cod. This wine also stands up to cuisines with some spice on them, so Indian cuisine like
Chicken Tikka Masala or Lamb Korma make great pairings as well. ABV: 12.5%

2018 Bodegas Eidosela Albariño

This is a dry, pale straw-hued wine with green highlights, medium in body, with effusive aromatics of lime,
pear, and white flowers arranged on a slab of rain-washed slate. Its flavor tells tales of lychee and fresh
pear, dressed with the juices of grapefruits and limes. Stark acidity melds with the fruit’s sweetness to
complexify and refine its flavor palette into an easy-drinking wine that refreshes with each sip. Its
satisfying finish evokes impressions of baked pear desserts. Enjoy this one with green salads dressed
with citrus, avocado toast, yuzu-flavored ramen noodles, smoked salmon, grilled whole fish, salmon fried
rice, and shellfish like mussels in green curry or wine butter sauce, steamed lobster, and steamed or
boiled crab. ABV: 13%

2018 El Circo Payaso Garnacha Rosé
A deep salmon-colored pour, this dry, medium-bodied wine gives up a nose redolent with fruity, summer-inspired
aromatics: strawberry sorbet, cherry ice, and fresh blackberries lead that parade, with implications of orange
blossoms near the top rim of the glass. underlying these are subtle pineapple and stony mineral elements. On the
palate, the sweetness of strawberries meets the tartness of blackberry, laced with red currant. Refreshing acidity and
mild tannin contribute to a long, pleasant finish that summons echoes of berries and faint minerality. This wine is
best-suited to enjoying with margherita or spicy sausage pizza, patatas bravas, shrimp fra diavolo, mushroom risotto,
or charcuterie. it also dances well with Korean barbecue and spicy cuisines like Thai, Indian, or Nigerian cuisine.
ABV: 13%

Aug 1, 2019
Circulation 5,000

Episode 27 | Where Washington and Spain meet

By Dave Adams

Javier Alfonso
Idilico | Pomum Cellars

Javier Alfonso grew up in Spain’s Ribera de Duero on a small family vineyard. Find out his journey from
one of the best wine regions in the world to a winemaker and grower in Washington State. Hear how he
thought he left his childhood vineyard life behind for an aerospace engineering, only to have it call him
back. He also shares the long process of getting his Spanish Tempranillo clones into the US and how the
demand for clay amphoras has left a world-wide wait list.

Visit Idilico and Pomum Cellars
Albariño blind tasting challenge: Washington vs. Rias Baixas
Albariño is one of the many great white wines you should be drinking this summer. Learn how it’s unique
and what foods make it sing. Then we reveal the results of our Albariño blind tasting! We wondered, could
Washington State hold up to the the Albariño masters of the world, Rias Baixas in Spain, and how
different or similar would we be in comparison?

Learn more about Rias Baixas Albariño or find where to buy
Thank you, Stefanie Schwalb, Senior Content Manager at GREGORY + VINE for providing selections of
Albariño from Rias Baixas.

FOOD PAIRING & RECIPE
Sole with Albariño sauce
Ingredients

2 whole sole
½ onion
bay leaves
1 clove of garlic
1 glass of Albariño wine
olive oil
freshly squeezed lemon juice
salt
Method

Clean the sole, cut the fillets and set the bones aside. In a pan, mix the fish bones with 1 glass of Albariño
wine, ½ an onion, 1 bay leaf and 1 clove of garlic and gently cook on low for 15 minutes before draining
through a sieve.

Put the fillets in the oven with a few drops of oil and lemon juice. Let them cook for 5 minutes on medium
heat and then pour over the Albariño stock.

When the stock starts to simmer, remove the fish from the oven and serve.

August 1, 2019
Circulation 668.560

Top DWWA 2019 award-winning Albariño wines

At the recent Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), Spain claimed second place for the most Best in
Show award-winning wines, receiving eight top accolades out of just 50 in this category, including an
Albariño from Rías Baixas in northwest Spain. To celebrate Albariño Day and the Albariño Festival which
takes place the first week of August in the Galician town of Cambados, we take a look at top-scoring
Albariño wines from DWWA 2019.

Light-bodied, fresh and mouth-wateringly acidic, Albariño is an indigenous white grape variety from the
Iberian Peninsula that has become popular worldwide for its high-quality, refreshing citrus flavours and
hint of saltiness.
The region of Rías Baixas reigns king when it comes to Albariño, and the Galician town of Cambados,
considered to be the capital of Albariño, is home. For decades this small coastal town has paid homage
to their local grape variety with the Fiesta del Albariño, and Albariño Day has been set to coincide with
this celebration. With many great award-winning Albariños from the recent Decanter World Wine Awards,
what better way to join the celebration than open a top-scoring bottle?
This year’s Decanter World Wine Awards saw more than 280 of the world’s best wine experts come
together to blind taste close to 17,000 wines. Here we look at some of the top-awarded Albariño and
Albariño-based wines to celebrate Albariño Day.

Top-scoring Albariño wines
Bodegas Fillaboa, La Fillaboa 1898 Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain 2010
Points – 97
DWWA 2019 Best in Show: Our second Galicia Best In Show white is a clear contrast to the first. Eight
years ageing for this Albariño from the granite-soiled region of Rias Baixas has left the wine a glowing
gold in colour with beguilingly developed aromas of nuts, sweet balsam and wet moss on old stones. The
wine is unoaked, so all of that aromatic richness is coming from the fruit itself and time’s work on it. In the
mouth, it is rich too, but dryly so, gracious and expansive, and beginning to hint more clearly at ground
stone than to the summer fruits and flowers of youth, with that incipient nutty richness providing further
complexities. A blind-tasting puzzle – and a very delicious dinner-party white. Drink 2019-2021.

Paco & Lola, Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain 2012
Points – 96
DWWA 2019 Gold Medal: Mellow aromas of quince, caramel, very ripe apple, ginger and savoury notes.
Intense and vibrant acidity supported by a delicious concentration. Long and complex finish.

Cambados Urban Winery, Desconcierto Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain 2018
Points – 96
DWWA 2019 Gold Medal: Very pretty and pure aromas of crisp yellow pears with a fragrant citrus quality.
Candied fruit character on the mid-palate, with great concentration and incredible length. Very well
constructed.

Pazo de Villarei, Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain 2018
Points – 95
DWWA 2019 Gold Medal: Classic stone fruit, citrus character, with good fruit concentration, some
savoury character. The wine shows power and density in palate, with much fruit, very clean and
expressive.

Bodegas As Laxas, Laxas Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain 2018
Points – 94
DWWA 2019 Silver Medal: Clean, well defined, with some spiciest and white fruit. Balanced, appealing,
with fresh acidity and a lingering finish.

Valmiñor, Davila Albariño-Loureiro-Treixadura, Rías Baixas, Spain 2017
Points – 93
DWWA Silver Medal: The nose exudes peaches, ripe lemon peel and a delicate floral character.
Crystalline on the palate. Fresh and vibrant with ripe fruit.

Most Wanted, Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain 2018
Points – 93
DWWA Silver Medal: Expressive, ripe and complex nose with herbal and balsamic notes and a lemony
character. Round, rich and flavourful palate. Long.