Zarate Albariño 2023

Alcohol: 13%

Grape(s): Albariño

Localization: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain

Tasting Notes: A finely tuned Albariño. Brilliantly clean, stony tropical pineapple presents clearly on the nose and palate. Yellow citrus flavors are like a simple, well-constructed melody, balanced and constrained.

Food Pairing: Serve with garlic shrimp, chicken breast sauté, or light white fish.

The Domain: Zarate is a family-owned estate located in the Village of Meano, found in the heart of the Salnez Valley, which is a part of the Spanish Rias-Baixas Denominacion de Origen. The property is centered on a manor (or pazo) originally built in the sixteenth century which was completely restored two hundred years later. The winery was founded in 1707 by Diego Zarate y Murga, the first Marques of Montesacro, by royal decree of King Felipe v. The Zarate Family has been tending to the winery and the vineyards for the past seven generations.

Zarate is in fact the de facto pioneer for Albarino as we know it today, having started production in the early fifties. Owner Ernesto Zarate founded the "Fiesta del Albarino" in the town of Cambados, obtaining first place consecutively in 1954, 1955, and 1956. He retired after his third award and has not presented his wines since. Since harvesting the 2000 vintage, current owner Eulogio Pomares has been equally as dedicated to the Albarino variety and the estate’s century-old vineyards. His sole aim is to naturally farm and care for the old vines. Each parcel is vinified separately; thus displaying the individual terroir in each of the wines.