Albariño: Pazo Torre Penelas, Galicia, Spain
Monica Tindall
Flourishing in the scenic Rías Baixas region of Galicia, Spain, lies a white wine grape variety that has won the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide – Albariño. Revered for its aromatic and refreshing character, Albariño is a sought-after gem known to complement a variety of dishes, especially seafood, with its vibrant acidity and enticing flavours.
The Terroir: Where Magic Happens
The grape is grown in several regions in Spain (and other parts of the world, including northern Portugal under the name Alvarinho), but the most famous and prestigious Albariño wines come from the Rías Baixas DO (Denominación de Origen) in Galicia. Albariño owes much of its allure to the unique terroir of the Rías Baixas region. This corner of northwest Spain enjoys a maritime climate, with mild temperatures and high humidity, creating an ideal environment for grape cultivation. Vineyards here are typically planted on granite-based soils, imparting mineral notes in the wine. Additionally, the proximity to the sea adds a saline quality and contributes to the wine’s refreshing acidity – a hallmark of Albariño.
Albariño Grapes
Albariño grapes are a sight to behold, boasting a vibrant green hue and forming tight clusters. Their thick skins play a crucial role, protecting the grapes from the region’s humid conditions and lending to the wine’s invigorating freshness. The high concentration of aromatic compounds within these grapes gives Albariño wines intense aromas, encompassing enticing notes of citrus, floral scents, white peach, apricot, and green apple. The wine is known for its vibrant acidity and fresh, crisp flavours, sometimes with a lingering bitterness in the finish. The wine’s light to medium-bodied nature and smooth, silky texture further enhance the overall experience.
Pazo Torre Penelas: A Heritage of Excellence
We learn more about Spain’s beautiful Rías Baixas region, the kingdom where Albariño reigns supreme, with a tour and tasting of Pazo Torre Penelas. Our guide, Fernando Vazquez, is the former Pazo’s veterinarian’s grandson, bringing the property’s history alive. Under management by Familia Torres since 2006, the renowned producer brings a wealth of expertise to the vineyards.
In the Spanish municipality of Portas, near Pontevedra in the Valle de Salnés, the pazo, or country house, on which the winery is located, dates back to the 14th or 15th century. The pazo is a national heritage site with several traditional Galician features, such as a raised granary, dovecote, and chapel.
Pazo Torre Penelas uses 20 hectares of vineyards to make its wines. However, the six hectares of Albariño on-site are the most prestigious, a stone-walled vineyard divided into three distinct parcels. These three parcels host 50-year-old vines, each benefiting from unique microclimates – one drier, one more humid, and one striking a balance between the two – resulting in diverse and exceptional grape varieties.
The team at Torre Pazo Penelas believe that the best wines are made with the least amount of intervention. They use a pergola system to reduce humidity in the vineyard, reducing the likelihood of pests. The grapes are handpicked, and the wines are produced without herbicides or pesticides. Other sustainability efforts are seen around the property, such as a significant yard of solar panels in the back corner of the lot.
The wines produced at Pazo Torre Penelas are highly regarded and have won numerous awards. Innovative egg-shaped granite vats and stainless steel are used to ferment the grapes, resulting in wines that encapsulate the essence of the land.
Pairing Perfection: Summer, Seafood & Asian Recipes
Albariño wines are a versatile pairing partner for a wide range of dishes, from seafood and shellfish to salads and desserts. They can also be enjoyed on their own, as an aperitif or with dessert. The grape’s versatility shines through in its suitability for Southeast Asian cuisine. Its fruitiness can temper mild spice, while its acidity can slice through more robust flavours. However, the region’s love for seafood and warm climate makes the wine especially well-suited.
Two examples from Pazo Torre Penelas showcase the beauty of Albariño and its suitability for Southeast Asia; Pazo das Bruxas and Blanco Granito.
The first, Pazo das Bruxas, Albariño, 2022, Rias Baixes, is luminous straw-yellow in the glass with a floral and citrus bouquet. It offers a rich, seductive midpalate, supported by soft silky tannins gifting added complexity. The wine was named after the Galician witches who lived in country houses known as “pazos”. The witches’ magic and dance filled the vines with vitality, just like the Albariño grapes that give birth to this wine. It’s an excellent introduction to the grape and works its sorcery particularly well with seafood – think oysters, steamed fish and sashimi.
Taking things up a notch, the Blanco Granito, Albariño, Rias Baixes, 2019 is something special. Aged in unique granite vats, the wine picks up mineral notes from both the terroir and the winemaking process. This wine has a balanced profile with fruity and floral notes and a touch of minerality. As with its counterparts, it’s mouth-filling and delicious, with acidity holding through all the way to a lengthy conclusion. Most Albariño is consumed within the year, but this one has a potential aging time of four to six years. It’s won several awards, including 94 points from ABC in 2022 for the 2019 vintage and 90 points from JamesSuckling.com in 2021 for the 2018 vintage.
Where to Find Albariño in Malaysia
The popularity of Albariño has spread far beyond the borders of Spain and Portugal. As wine appreciation burgeons worldwide, this delicious white wine has found its way to Southeast Asia, where its refreshing and light characteristics resonate with the region’s tropical climate. An excellent place to begin your exploration is with the wines from Pazo Torre Penelas. Currently, Albert Wines has the Torres’ Pazo Das Bruxas’ Albariño available in its online store. It consistently earns 90 points and above with wine critics and is a very approachable RM 142.
Albariño: A Perfect Choice for Southeast Asia
Albariño’s refreshing, versatile, and food-friendly qualities and increasing availability make it an excellent choice for those enjoying Southeast Asia’s vibrant flavours and warm climate. Whether you enjoy a seafood feast on the beach or a Japanese omakase with the freshest raw ingredients, Albariño will surely enhance your dining experience. So next time you are looking for an aperitif or something to pair with your meal, try this delicious wine and discover its beauty for yourself.
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The egg-shaped granite vats look so cute!