Zarate Rías Baixas 2015 Albariño
This small well run cellar was established in 1920 by the Zarate family and is located in the Salnes Valley. Eulogio Pomares currently oversees the vineyards which are planted on granitic rock, and now beginning to replant some vines to biodynamics. The Zarate is sourced from 11 vineyards with an average age of 35 years. Only two Rias Baixas producers make reds and Zarate is one of them. Caino Tinto and Loureiro Tinto are both made from indigenous grapes of the same name and are both tiny production around 300 bottles. They are noted to be wines with an elegant, floral, tart, almost salty character with fresh acidity. I will try and get my hands on a bottle and comment.
The 2015 Albariño has a pale yellow color with green edges and concentrated aromas of stone fruits, citrus and floral notes. The palate shows peaches and apricots with a tangy mineral focus with a chalky edge. Pronounced acidity lifts this wine and will let it age and refine over the next 3 to 5 years. On the vibrant finish, the wine is crisp with lemon zest and a medium+ mineral ending.
Cheers!