2010 Albariño, DO Rías Baixas, Pazo de Señoráns

Frighteningly fashionable, Albarino is now the white of choice for the smart fish restaurants of London (and elsewhere); it combines aromatics, spice and power in a manner sometimes redolent of Grüner Veltliner.

Pazo de Senorans is now seen as the very best Galician winery. Located at Vilanoviña, in the Pontevedra town of Meis, winery and vines alike benefit from a situation in one of Rias Baixas’ most prestigious sub-zones.

The vines are located at relatively low altitudes, not too far from the sea, with the soils influenced accordingly by sandy elements. Vinification is in stainless steel and bottling is early,. The result is a wine of great aromatic harmony, with distinctive notes of late-season apples, fennel and a hint of verbena; the palate is both rich and refreshing, with hints of white pepper and grapefruit adding to the interest. A superb match, it goes without saying, for mariscos and most fish.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)