Zárate Albariño 2025

Zarate is a historic Rias Baixas estate that has grown Albarino since the early eighteenth century, on the Galician coast. This single variety Albarino comes from 35 year old vines planted in granite soils, farmed without herbicides. Harvest is by hand with grape selection carried out in the vineyard, and the fruit is destemmed and lightly pressed before a gentle racking. The wine is then aged for nine months on its lees. Extended lees contact releases mannoproteins that broaden the mid palate and add a subtle, savoury depth, while the granite soils and cool, damp Atlantic climate hold the natural acidity high and lend the saline minerality typical of the region. The extra time gives the wine more weight and length than a simple young Albarino without losing its freshness. The colour is pale with green highlights. The nose shows lime and oyster shell with white peach and white flowers. The palate is fresh and lively, textured by the lees and closing on a long, saline finish. Serve well chilled at 9 to 11 degrees. It is a natural match for the shellfish of its home coast.