Zarate 2024 Albariño

When Rías Baixas, in Galicia, became a DO in 1988, there were only 30 producers; much of the wine was consumed locally. In the time since, albariño has gained enormous international attention and respect, such that the number of wineries in the DO has multiplied almost sixfold. Leading all of them is Bodegas Zarate, known for their long dedication to quality to rival any wine region in the world. In the 1950s, this drive took public stage when Ernesto Zarate founded the Albariño Festival in the region's capital. His wines won first place for three years running; facing little competition, he withdrew from the festival. Today, the winery remains in the family, headed by seventh-generation Eulogio Pomares. This cuvée is the estate's entry-level albariño, but a showstopper nonetheless. Sourced from vines averaging 35 years old, it is fermented and aged in stainless steel, where it spends six months on fine lees, with 10-25% undergoing malolactic fermentation. Fresh, balanced, elegant, and intensely mineral in character, notes of clean, freshly sliced pineapple mingle with grapefruit flavors on the nose and palate. Stunning. Biodynamically grown, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.