Wines
of the Week: Awesome Albariño for Under $20
Rías
Baixas
is renowned for the Albariño grape, an indigenous variety
that produces some of the world's foremost white wines. Located
in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain, the DO (Denomination
of Origin) was formally established in 1988. And, these Albariños
should really get any wine lover's attention because of their
lovely acidity ,drinkability, and attractive pricing.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Martín
Còdax 2014 Albariño
Winery:
Martín Còdax
Grape(s): 100% Albariño
Region: DO Rías Baixas - Val do
Salnés, Spain
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Fragrances of citrus fruits, green apples, minerals, and
cardamon rise up from a glass. The palate reveals flavors
of tart apple, lemon, and lime that interweave with elements
of minerals and white spice. A crisp, clean wine that
still retains a bit of richness, it will pair very nicely
with a lighter fish like halibut.
Rating: 90 |
|
Laxas
2015 Albariño
Winery:
Laxas
Grape(s): 100% Albariño
Region: DO Rías Baixas, Spain
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of peaches, apricots, and lemons mingle with notes
of honeysuckle and minerals on the nose. With a sip, flavors
of lemon, peach, and crisp pear emerge on the palate,
accented by floral and mineral highlights. Bright yet
opulent, with a friendly acidity, open a bottle with seared
scallops. 200,000 cases were made.
Rating: 91 |
 |
Lagar
de Bouza 2015 Albariño
Winery:
Lagar de Bouza
Grape(s): 100% Albariño
Region: DO Rías Baixas, Spain
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
The nose offers aromas of citrus fruits, peaches, white
blossoms, and minerally earth. Flavors of lemon, tangerine,
and peach flow into expressions of wet stone and spring
flowers on the palate. A pleasant acidity and compelling
fruit make this wine a good match for fresh crab. 300,000
cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
 |
La
Cana 2014 Albariño
Winery:
La Cana
Grape(s): 100% Albariño
Region: DO Rías Baixas, Spain
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromatics of peaches, lemons, and tart apple come together
with suggestions of citrus blossoms and flint on the nose.
A sip delivers flavors of lemon, green apple, and nectarine
that unfold into mineral and floral undertones. Vibrant
flavors and a crisp acidity endear this wine to grilled
chicken seasoned with fresh herbs and citrus. 4,300 cases
were made.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|
