Terras Gauda Etiqueta Negra 2022

Bodegas Terras Gauda works in the O Rosal valley in the D.O. Rías Baixas, on the north bank of the Miño where the river meets the Atlantic. Etiqueta Negra blends Albariño with the local Caíño Blanco and Loureira, the two minor grapes adding aromatic lift and a firm acid backbone to the fleshier Albariño. The Albariño and Caíño sit at low altitude near the river, around fifty metres, in a humid, moderately warm pocket that brings an early harvest, while the granite and sandy soils and coastal influence keep the acidity high. The wine is aged fourteen months in French oak, which puts it in slow contact with oxygen through the wood and holds it on its lees, so the texture broadens and a gentle toasty depth develops without masking the fruit. It is bright yellow. The nose shows tangerine and orange peel, white peach and quince, lifted by white flowers, with freshly baked bread and a light vanilla note from the barrel. The palate is broad and structured for a Galician white, the acidity firm and the finish saline and long. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white wine glass. It suits richer seafood and poultry.