Archive for the ‘Albarino’ Category
Adegas Valminor Davila 2007
Posted by Shea in $30-$40, Albarino, Spanish Wine, Very Good on October 22nd, 2009
Moving from the Loire to Rías Baixas, this is an Albarino based wine blended with loureiro and treixadura, two indigenous Spanish grapes, and lightly oaked. This is thicker and rounder than many Albarinos, but it maintains the stark acidity and saline qualities that make these wines great with seafood.
The nose had pear, nectarine, loamy mineral and a touch of citrus with some wafts of a fresh sea breeze. The palate was pretty complex with citrus, seat salt/brine, a bit of vanilla, peach and pear with an awesome florality. This is not really your typical Albarino, but it is certainly darn tasty and the floral notes and orchard fruits work extremely well.
Very Good+
$35 at Marquis
Palacio de Fefinanes Albarino 2007
Posted by Shea in $30-$40, Albarino, Highly Recommended Values, Spanish Wine, Very Good on July 11th, 2009
I’ve tried a few albarinos before, often appreciating their easy drinking but not so much their lack of complexity. I think I just never got into the good stuff. This particular albarino comes to Vancouver from one of its most respected producers in Spain, thanks to Marquis Wine Cellars’ John Clerides, who never fails to find some of the most unique and good value wines all across the world.
The nose on this had lemon, lime, and grapefruit not unlike a riesling. The palate was very impressive, with stone, apple, and lime predominating. The mid-palate held a full body and clean acidity. Somewhat like a cross between pinot blanc and riesling, I loved the cleanliness, the full body, and the superb food friendliness. Its very slightly off-dry character made it perfect for pairing with chorizo. I could imagine this wine perfectly paired with a chorizo mussel dish. Great stuff and the best Albarino I’ve yet had.
Very Good+ to Excellent and Highly Recommended
$30 at Marquis
Lagar de Cervera Albarino 2005
Posted by Shea in $20-$30, Albarino, Good, Spanish Wine on July 27th, 2008
Having tried a relatively cheap Albarino a few months ago and not loving it, but realizing its potential, I resolved to try more Albarino varietals in the future. This is my next attempt, but I have yet to be convinced that Albarino is a worthy white grape.
Burgans Albarino 2006
Posted by Shea in $20-$30, Albarino, Fair, Spanish Wine on February 27th, 2008
I was looking for a wine to pair with some halibut and was recommended to try a Spanish Albarino. Always being one who likes something new, and since I’d never had Albarino before I thought it would be fun to give this wine a try.
