Lagar da Condesa 2021

Lagar da Condesa produces this single-variety Albariño in D.O. Rías Baixas in Galicia, the cool Atlantic region that is the home of the grape. The fruit is picked by hand into small fifteen kilogram crates to keep the bunches whole and healthy, then passed over a selection table where only the best grapes go through. Rías Baixas sits on granite and sandy soils under a wet, maritime climate, and vines trained high on pergolas stay ventilated in the damp, which protects the fruit and preserves its bright acidity and saline character. Before pressing, the selected grapes undergo a short maceration on their skins, a brief cold contact that draws extra aroma and a little more texture from the skins without adding grip. After a gentle press the wine is fermented and made in a fresh, protective style that keeps its primary fruit intact. The colour is pale lemon with green tints. The nose shows green apple, white peach and lemon over white flowers and a touch of melon. The palate is crisp and direct, carried by fresh acidity and a saline, mineral finish typical of the coast. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees.