WINERY BACKGROUND

Adega Condes de Albarei is located in the valley known as O Salnès, in the heart of D.O. Rias Baixas. It is two kilometers away from Cambados, in the province of “Galicia.” Galicia is one of the oldest areas in Spain, settled originally by the Celts. Considered by many experts to be the most prestigious white-wine producing region of Spain today, D.O. Rias Baixas has produced wine for centuries; though its renaissance owes much to the modernization of winemaking that has taken place over the last 15 years.

Founded in 1988 (the same year the D.O. Rias Baixas was officially granted its charter), Adega Condes de Albarei is a cooperative of 362 grower/owners. The winery is equipped with the most advanced technological equipment available. In a region where the average producer yields less than 4,000 cases annually, this winery is not only one of the largest at approximately 90,000 cases, but considered among the highest quality-producers in the entire region. The principal label is the Condes de Albarei Albariño, the first white wine from Spain to earn a gold medal at Vinexpo. In 1998, they received a second gold medal at Vinexpo.

THE VINEYARDS

Surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Umia River, the vineyards total 375 acres of Albariño, all of which are estate-owned by the grower/owners, not by contract-producers. The climate is the wettest in Spain, averaging 50 inches of rainfall per annum, and also one the coolest of Spain’s D.O.’s In order to maximize the sun’s effect on the maturation of the grapes, the “pergola” method of trellising is utilized. The vines are trellised by laying them flat, parallel to the ground across wiring five-to-six feet off the ground. This exposes the grapes to as much sun and drying breezes as possible, reducing rot caused by dampness, controlling infection by harmful bacteria and thus ensuring the fullest and most sanitary ripening possible.

During harvest time, the winemaker at Condes de Albarei determines when each of the vineyards is to be harvested, usually late in August, but selection is very much dependent upon the weather. Each morning the growers are given numbered containers into which the harvested grapes are placed after picking. These full containers are then returned to the winery for destemming and crushing that same day. The next day the growers return to collect a clean container to continue the harvest. In this way, no one grower can pick grapes one day and deliver the grapes the following day; thus reducing breakage, oxidation, and contamination of the must. While it sounds simplistic, this system prevents problems in an area where many growers maintain very small vineyards that families operate as a “side” business. The winemaker’s care during harvest and a watchful eye throughout the other seasons, results in one of the finest albariños made.

TASTING NOTES

From the cool “green” coast of Spain’s northwest, Condes de Albarei Albariño is a complex blend of flavors that fits perfectly with the modern American lifestyle. Made from 100% Albariño, this wine has rich, vibrant mouth feel with aromas of tropical fruit, citrus and melons and a juicy finish, slightly mineral finish. It is the ultimate shellfish, seafood or cocktail wine.