Zárate Albariño Rías Baixas 2023
Zárate
Zárate's old-vine Albariño from the Val do Salnés subzone is a masterclass in site-driven white winemaking. The granitic soils and Atlantic proximity give this wine a tension and mineral depth that mass-market Albariño rarely achieves. At this price, it is one of the most compelling values in European white wine.
Nose
Immediate hit of citrus — lemon curd and grapefruit zest — followed by white flowers, green apple, and a distinctive saline mineral note. There is a subtle herbal quality, almost like crushed mint leaf.
Palate
Crisp and taut, with vibrant citrus acidity carrying green apple and melon. The granite-derived minerality gives the wine a textured, almost chalky mid-palate. A hint of honey on the back palate adds complexity without weight.
Finish
Clean and persistent, with lingering citrus, a saline edge, and a final flicker of green apple. Refreshing and moreish.
- Varietal
- Albariño
- Blend
- 100% Albariño
- Vineyards
- Old-vine estate parcels in Val do Salnés, granitic soils
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
- Organic / Biodynamic
- No
- Skin Contact
- No
Food Pairing
Fresh oysters with mignonette or grilled white fish with lemon
The Zárate family has tended vines on granite slopes in the Val do Salnés since 1707, making them one of the oldest grower-producers in the Rías Baixas, where Atlantic winds and mineral soils forge Albariño of uncommon precision.
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