Albariza 2022

Albariza is made by the José Estévez group, one of the largest growers in the Marco de Jerez, from Palomino Fino grown in Cádiz. Unlike the region's famous sherries, this is a still, unfortified white made to be drunk young and fresh. The wine takes its name from albariza, the region's distinctive chalky white soil, which reflects sunlight and holds moisture deep in the ground, helping the vines through the hot dry Andalusian summers. The coastal position brings cooling Atlantic winds that keep the grapes fresh and lend a saline character. Palomino is a low-acid grape, so the fruit is picked early and the must is handled cleanly and at cool temperatures to protect its freshness and delicate aromatics. The wine is pale straw with green highlights, and the nose is fresh and understated, with lemon, green apple and white flowers. The palate is crisp and light, dry and saline, with a chalky mineral finish that reflects the soil it grew on. Serve it well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees as an aperitif or with fried fish and shellfish.