PAZO BARRANTES ALBARINO 75cl 13%

Pazo Barrantes shows an expressive nose with intense aromas of white stone fruit, citrus fruit, bay and touches of balsamic. it is a fresh and full-bodied wine with a lengthy finish bursting with juicy white fruit and salinity.

Although Pazo Barrantes has been the ancestral home to the Creixell family (owners of renowned Riojan labels Marques de Murrieta and Castillo Ygay) since the 15th century and where Albariño has been grown and made for generations, it was not until 1982, when the vineyards were re-planted and 1991, when the winery was built, that it became a commercial winery.

Located in the Salnés valley, the winery boasts 12 hectares that surround the 16th century Galician Palace. All the vines are trained high on supporting wires in the “Parral” trellis system, as is the local tradition, to guard against mildew and rot, and to assist ripening. The soil is sandy, acidic and shallow. Production is around 200,000 bottles per year.

After hand picking, the grapes are carefully de-stemmed and then gently pressed. The grape must is fermented in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks at 10 degrees for approximately 60 days. The juice is left in contact with its lees for two months in the pursuit of texture and density. It is then aged in stainless steel tanks for seven months, 15% is aged in acaia wood, and spends 16 months in bottle before release. Bottled in June 2020 Pazo Barrantes develops an attractive aromatic complexity and mouth feel along its ageing in bottle.

In contrast with 2018, there was less rainfall in winter. Spring was marked by sharp temperature variations which led to early outbreaks of mildew, particularly in Rías Baixas. Summer was wet and mild without the heatwaves that hit other regions. From mid-August, the Azores anticyclone allowed grapes to ripen well. The rain in September had a bigger impact on the coast than on inland areas. Yields were low but the quality was very good with higher than usual, which is well integrated.

Pair with scarlet shrimp tartar, grapefruit and crunchy bacon; white asparagus pudding, white shrimp with mint; grilled scallops croquettes; marinated sardine, grapefruit jam and blood orange.

91 Points Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator top 100 Wines 2021