Lagar de Pintos - Albarino Rias Baixas 2022

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This wine is 100% Albariño made from grape vines that are about 40 years old. The vines grow in granite and sandy soils across seven different vineyards on the estate: Palomar, Cachada, Muiño, Ponte Arnelas, Aguieiros, Pontella and Albar.

The vines are grown on a special trellis system called "Emparrado" (like a pergola or overhead canopy). This method was actually invented by the Romans around 1,800 years ago to improve air flow around the grapes, which helps them ripen more evenly and stay dry. The vineyards are located very close to sea level, between 5-25 feet above it.

Each vineyard's grapes are processed separately. After harvesting, the whole grape bunches are gently pressed, and the juice is fermented using natural yeasts found in the environment (not added commercial yeasts). The fermentation happens in stainless steel tanks and large, older oak barrels called "foudres" - this combination helps create more interesting aromas and textures in the wine.

After fermentation, the wine sits with the leftover yeast particles (called "lees") for 8 months, and is stirred weekly - a process called "batonnage" that adds richness and complexity. Finally, the wines from all seven vineyards are blended together before bottling.

Lagar de Pintos Description

Lagar De Pintos - Albarino Rias Baixas is a remarkable and sophisticated white wine hailing from the prestigious Rias Baixas appellation in the Salnés Valley subzone, Spain. This exceptional Albarino is crafted from grapes sourced from seven distinct plots, each with an average vine age of 40 years. The vineyards are meticulously managed in a lyre trellis system, thriving in the region's granite and sandy soils just 2 to 7 meters above sea level.

The winemaking process involves an 8-month aging period in stainless steel tanks and foudres with weekly batonnage, followed by a meticulous blending and bottling. The result is a captivating Albarino that showcases the character of its terroir and the skillful craftsmanship of the winemaker.

Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points

This wine has aromas of peach, Gala apple and jasmine. It is bright from first sip to finish, with flavors of nectarine, Seckel pear, rose petal and river rocks.— Mike DeSimone