Discover the 2022 Granbaz√°n R√≠as Baixas Albariño Etiqueta Verde, a stunning representation of Galicia's coastal terroir. Crafted from 100% hand-harvested Albariño grapes grown in the Saln√©s Valley, this wine delights with a vibrant blend of lush summer peach, zesty lemon, and green apple on the nose, complemented by floral honeysuckle and minerally wet stone undertones. Its dry, light-to-medium body boasts crisp acidity and a refreshing saline edge, culminating in a tangy, mouthwatering finish. Aged on fine lees to enhance texture and complexity, this vegan-friendly wine shines as a perfect companion to seafood, light dishes, or as a refreshing aperitif.
Process & Profile
The Granbaz√°n Albariño Etiqueta Verde 2022 showcases the classic style of Albariño from the Saln√©s Valley in R√≠as Baixas, Spain. The grapes are hand-harvested from 35+ year-old vines situated along the Atlantic coast, ensuring a vibrant maritime character. These grapes undergo an 8-hour pre-fermentation maceration, followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts. This process enhances the wine's aromatic complexity and structure. Aged on fine lees for four months, this Albariño develops depth, texture, and a crisp, mineral-driven profile. The result is a light, dry white with pristine acidity and remarkable balance.
Tasting Notes
The 2022 Granbaz√°n Albariño Etiqueta Verde is a sensory delight. On the nose, it bursts with aromas of white peach, apricot, Kaffir lime, and champagne mango, accented by floral and mineral notes. The palate is equally captivating, with flavors of vibrant tropical fruits, zesty lime, and a salty minerality, all wrapped in a clean, dry finish. Its mouthwatering acidity ensures a refreshing experience, with a touch of tension and elegance that lingers beautifully.
What Makes It Special
Granbaz√°n Albariño Etiqueta Verde stands out for its artisanal production methods and its connection to its terroir. The cool Atlantic breezes and granite-based, sandy soils of the Saln√©s Valley imbue this wine with its signature saline minerality and citrus-forward profile. Its lees aging process adds a creamy texture, enhancing its complexity while maintaining its light body. The wine consistently receives critical acclaim, reflecting its outstanding quality and affordability, making it an approachable yet sophisticated choice.
How to Enjoy
Granbaz√°n Albariño Etiqueta Verde is a versatile white wine that shines with food or on its own. Its crisp acidity and minerality make it a perfect match for seafood such as ceviche, oysters, marinated mussels, or sushi. It also pairs wonderfully with lighter dishes like chicken, creamy cheese boards, or fresh salads. Serve chilled in a white wine glass, but allow it to warm slightly to explore the evolving complexity of its flavors. Ideal for sipping on a sunny afternoon or as a refreshing complement to coastal-inspired meals.
Granbaz√°n Albariño Etiqueta Verde 2022 captures the essence of R√≠as Baixas, offering a bright, zesty, and mineral-rich wine that embodies the spirit of the Atlantic coast. Whether you're a seafood lover or a fan of crisp, aromatic whites, this Albariño is an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Granbaz√°n Rias Baixas Albariño Etiqueta Verde 2022?
This wine offers vibrant aromatics of white peach, apricot, Kaffir lime, and champagne mango, combined with a bright mineral nuance. On the palate, it delivers tropical fruit intensity, fresh acidity, and a crisp, dry finish with a subtle salty edge, characteristic of Albariño wines from the Saln√©s Valley.
How is the wine made, and what makes it unique?
The Albariño grapes are hand-harvested and undergo an 8-hour pre-fermentation maceration to accentuate its aroma and structure. The wine is fermented using native yeasts and aged on its lees for no less than four months. This method enhances its complexity and texture, resulting in a distinctive, elegant wine.
What foods pair well with Granbaz√°n Albariño Etiqueta Verde 2022?
This wine pairs exceptionally well with seafood dishes such as ceviche, oysters on the half shell, marinated mussels, or seafood pasta. It also complements light cheeses like triple cream or Spanish Cabrales, making it versatile for various light and fresh dishes.
Where is this wine produced?
It is produced at the Granbazán winery in the Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Spain. The grapes benefit from the region's cool, wet climate, maritime influence, and granite-rich soils, which contribute to the wine's minerality and crisp acidity.
What distinguishes this wine from other Albariños?
Etiqueta Verde represents a classic Saln√©s Valley style, known for its mineral quality, floral notes, and refreshing acidity. Granbaz√°n's attention to minimal intervention viticulture and precise vinification ensures a high-quality expression of Albariño with a unique saline aftertaste.
Is this wine vegan-friendly?
Yes, Granbaz√°n Albariño Etiqueta Verde 2022 is vegan-friendly, as it is crafted without the use of animal-derived fining agents.
What is the ideal serving temperature for this wine?
Serve the wine well-chilled, at around 45–50°F (7–10°C). Allowing it to warm slightly in the glass will reveal richer fruit notes like apricot and pear alongside its citrus and mineral characteristics.
Can Granbaz√°n Albariño Etiqueta Verde 2022 age well?
While Albariño is best enjoyed within a few years of its vintage to retain its signature acidity and fresh aromatics, the wine's high acidity gives it the capacity to age for around 5‚Äì7 years, developing more complex flavors over time.
What is the alcohol content of this wine?
The alcohol content typically ranges from 12% to 13%, consistent with the traditional characteristics of Albariño wines from R√≠as Baixas.