From very old, organically farmed vines on Portugal’s northern border. (Right by where the best Spanish Albarinos are made.)
This one is quite simply a revelation.
The only US critic to review this 2023 so far (Ken’s Wine Guide, just last week!) rates it the finest vintage to date, saying:
This is a beauty! Very complex wine with great balance and style. This rich concentrated wine is packed with intense aromas of citrus, apple, pear and floral scents with a tropical background. The palate is full-bodied and voluminous, with a fresh and vibrant acidity and great minerality.
This translucent and very pale straw colored Alvarinho opens with an inviting white floral, light lychee, and faint lime bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and easy to drink. The flavor profile is a gentle lime and crushed stony minerality blend with notes of saline and white pepper. I also picked up a hint of white grapefruit and Anjou pear. The finish is dry and refreshing. This Alvarvinho would pair well with broiled scallops. Enjoy!
Also a top rating from the Portugese Revista de Vinhos, which says:
A selection of Alvarinho grapes surrounding the village of Alvaredo. Traditional vinification without destemming, in order to fully preserve the grapes’ primary aromas. A very mineral and intense aroma, tropical fruit and extremely intense floral notes. Very structured and full on the palate. An explosion of fruit with vibrant acidity.
Very few dry white wines can offer the combination of great freshness, flavor and complexity the way a top Albarino/Alvariho can. And this one really nails it.
Indeed, this 2023 is the finest vintage I’ve tasted (or any critic, too), one that adds an almost creamy richness to the underlying complexity and verve here. It’s just delicious!
