Finca Garabelos 2023

Finca Garabelos is a small winery at Vilar, in Crecente, working Albariño from its own vineyards in the Condado de Tea subzone of Rías Baixas, with José Alonso as owner and José Estévez as oenologist. Condado de Tea sits inland along the Miño river, warmer and drier than the coastal parts of Rías Baixas, which gives the Albariño a little more ripeness and body while the region's granite soils keep the wine fresh and mineral. The wine is fermented and then aged for six months on its fine lees in stainless steel. Lees ageing without oak lets the spent yeast add texture, body and a subtle bready depth while preserving the clarity of the fruit and the wine's natural acidity. The colour is pale straw with green glints. The nose shows white peach, apricot, lemon and melon over a light saline note. The palate is dry and textured, rounder than a purely coastal Albariño, with a clean, mineral finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees in a white wine glass.