Albarino, Rias Baixas, Mar de Frades (Blue Bottle) 2024

Country
Spain
Region
Galicia
Producer
Mar de Frades
Grape(s)
Albarino (100%)
Type
White
Style
Mineral
Oaked Style
Unoaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Dry
Alcohol Content
12.5%
Closure Style
Cork
Organic/Biodynamic
Organic practices
Sustainable
Yes-certified sustainable
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No

Region

The Galicia region sits on Spain’s estuary ridden northwest Atlantic coast. This coastal region is wet, yet it is where the fashionable Albariño grape variety thrives on the granite soils. In the south, the Rias Baixas, which means `lower inlets’, supports vines trained high on pergolas in order to keep them well aired from the damp climate, producing fresh, elegant and aromatic wines. The Godello variety is most happy in the relatively warmer and drier valley of Valdeorras, crossed by the river Sil, which is located inland, on the eastern limit of Galicia. Godello’s bunches are compact with smallish and yields are relatively low, which probably contributed to the variety`s near abandonment in the past.

Producer

Bodegas Mar de Frades was established in 1987 in the Val do Salnés subzone of Rías Baixas, Galicia, and is dedicated exclusively to the Albariño grape variety. The winery sources fruit from vineyards influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, where granite-based soils and a cool, maritime climate contribute to the character of the wines. Vineyard management focuses on sustainable practices, including canopy management, biodiversity preservation and responsible resource use to maintain long-term vineyard health. Combining traditional viticulture with modern winemaking technology, Mar de Frades produces fresh, expressive Albariño wines known for their precision, purity and strong regional identity.
Tasting Notes
Mar de Frades Albariño comes from selected vineyards in Val do Salnés and Ribera do Ulla, with all grapes carefully selected. The juice is first macerated for 17 hours on the skins, to extract the aromatic precursors of the variety. Native yeasts let to a slow and long fermentation, and following this the wines were aged on fine lees in stainless steel. The nose reveals notes of peach, mango and lovely white floral aromatics. On the palate, it offers volume and complexity from the lees age and the characteristic saline note typical of the region.
Food
This pairs perfectly with shellfish, fresh seafood and also white meats such as chicken or white fish.