Pazo de Señorans Selección de Añada 2005

Winery: Pazo de Señorans
Product: Selección de Añada
Type: White
Area: Rías Baixas (Galicia)
Vintage: 2005
Grape varieties: 100% Albariño
Alcoholic level: 13º
Price: 50 USD

Our rating: ++++++ (6)

About the area:

The term Rías Baixas refers to the lower estuaries – deep, wide inlets of water encroaching many miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Like the rest of Spain, however, the region also receives ample sunshine – over 2,200 hours per year
Rías Baixas is comprised of five different sub-areas with varying terroir.
Val do Salnés: Located along the Atlantic coast, the oldest and largest subzone with the most area under vine is also the coolest and wettest, with an average temperature of 55°F. Soils are granite and slate.
Condado do Tea: The second largest subzone and the most inland.
O Rosal: On the border of Portugal, wines from this subzone often blend Albariño with the Loureiro and Treixadura grapes. Vineyards with granite bedrock and alluvial topsoil are terraced along the Miño River vineyards.
Ribeira do Ulla and Soutomaior.
The regulatory Council (Consejo Regulador) of the Rias Baixas DO currently authorises twelve different grape varieties, though Albariño represents over 90% of all vines planted.

It is believed that the Albariño grape was introduced to the area in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks of the Monastery of Armenteira.
While the different sub-zones express subtle differences, the wines all share a number of characteristics. In general pale golden lemon, they are all crisp, elegant and fresh.
The wines have good natural acidity, mineral overtones.

About the wine:

Grapes are selected from a vineyard (Val do Salnés) with sandy soil that is located in the higher part of the estate; the site enables the fruit to reach excellent ripeness levels. Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks for at least 30 months, once is bottled, they age the wine for 12 months more.

Tasting:

Bright yellow with golden reflections. Complex in nose, with candied citrus fruits, pineapple, sea and salt, nutmeg and matches bouquet at the bottom. Excellent.
Fresh in mouth, with great volume and high acidity, nerve. Good balance but too young. Crispy, slightly sticky. Tight. Persistent citric and vegetable aromas.

A bodied and strong white that will combine beautifully with pork or lamb meat, with a moussaka or with a gorgonzola dolce.

In a couple of years this wine will be superb.