Pazo de Galegos, Rías Baixas Albariño
Sourced from vineyards in San Pedro de Vilanova at 225 meters of elevation. Valle del Ulla is the northern-most, and driest, of the five Rias Baixas subzones. Granitic, sandy soil offsets undesired humidity, keeping disease pressure low. The low fertility of the soil limits vegetative growth and keeps yields low, resulting in concentrated aromas and flavors.
Pazo de Galegos is a small family property that produces less than 2,000 cases of wine per year, and which has lovingly maintained the original stone house and small shrine that welcomes pilgrims on the route to Santiago de Compostela, which is a short distance away.
The wine is 100% Albariño sourced from vines planted in 1945. It is fermented on ambient yeasts only at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, after which it is aged on its lees (spent yeast cells) in stainless steel for about 3-5 months before bottling. As with the other Albariño in this pack, it underwent a “partial” malolactic fermentation.
Pale straw-gold in the glass, this old-vine bottling displays more assertive aromas of ripe peach, melon, and wildflower honey, which carry over to the medium-plus-bodied palate. There is excellent acidity to offset the ample texture, resulting in a wine that is both substantial and refreshing. Nice heft for poached halibut or sole in lemon butter.