Albarino

Albariño is a late ripening, moderately cool to warm climate variety originally found in northeastern Spain (Galicia) and northern Portugal (where it is called Alvarinho). Though fairly vigorous, its bunches yield a small amount of juice because of the number of seeds in the berries. The fruit is hardy, with thick skins, a key contributor to its intense fragrance.

Gularte Vineyard is a new source of Albariño for us. It is in northern Monterey County, just a little too far north to be considered Santa Lucia Highlands but very close to that AVA along River Road. It's a very cool climate which results in a long growing season for fully mature grapes while maintaining great natural acidity.

This wine is wonderfully minerally, crisp, and aromatic, with a lot of fruit and flower esters in both the taste and aroma. This is a white wine that can stand up to the heartier end of the white wine foods list, and can perhaps even age a few years without a problem.