Atalier Albariño 2024

Atalier Albariño comes from Raúl Pérez, one of the leading figures in modern Spanish winemaking, working here in the D.O. Rías Baixas of Galicia alongside Rodrigo Méndez. The grape is Albariño, native to this cool, rain-washed Atlantic corner of the northwest, where granite-based soils and a maritime climate preserve high natural acidity and a savoury mineral edge. The fruit is ripe but never heavy, a signature of the region. What sets this wine apart is the ageing: seven months in large oak foudres rather than small barrels or steel. The generous volume of these vessels allows slow, gentle contact with the wood and extended time on the fine lees, so the wine gains texture and breadth through mannoprotein release while keeping its freshness and avoiding overt oak flavour. The result is a white of pale straw colour with a nose of ripe white peach, pear and delicate white flowers over a clear citrus lift. The palate is broad and layered, with melon and a soft creaminess balanced by firm acidity and a salty, coastal finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a standard white glass. It suits grilled white fish, seafood rice and roast chicken.