Burgans Rias Baixas Albarino 2005

Rias Baixas is in Galicia, in the northwestern area of Spain bordering the sea; some of it is actually north of Portugal.  This is one of the few places where Albariño flourishes and can be counted upon to produce such a noble wine. The area is more humid and wet than the typical continental wine growing climate and the seafood based cuisine is inextricably linked to the winemaking.

Burgans Albarino is made at Bodegas Martín Códax by Luciano Almoedo. A long-time promoter of Albariño in Spain, Luciano championed the initial designation of the Rias-Baixas appellation, and he was the first leader of the AOC. In order for a wine to receive the Rias-Baixas designation, it must be 100% Albariño.

Bodegas Martín Códax is located in the fertile Salnes Valley on the Mont Burgans, this wine's namesake.

Importer Eric Soloman is credited with blending the lots of 100% Albariño which are fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Pale golden straw. Aromas: Rich, alive, flowery peach and green melon. On the tongue, this lively alternative white is also medium-bodied and fairly well rounded off, even a bit lush without being heavy or hot. Ripe peach, grapefruit and mandarin flavors make for a long finish that's light, dry and lively.

Excellent value ($15).  Closure: Plastic "cork".  Alcohol content: 12.5%.

Comments

[David Mann]

These wines seemed to be all the rage in the early noughties and they still seem to be gathering momentum. Great to see because these wines deserve to be discovered along with Argentina's Torrontes. As much as we all enjoy sauvignon et al its hard to get fully enthusiastic about its comparative lack of substance, unlike these.

[Jeff Richards]

We had this wine at a new tapas place in Montrose, "Three Drunken Goats." Unfamiliar with Spanish wines, which constitutes their entire wine list, after our initial order we asked for help and had this wine recommended. It turned out to be a great "food wine" pairing well with the goat cheese, arugala and beet salad, the prawns and fried artichoke hearts and the chorizo and grapes (the latter a complete surprise to me). We bought a couple of bottles on our way out. It reminds me of French wine I like (please keep in mind I'm from California) sort of unremarkable alone but coming completely alive and chameleon-like with food.