2010 Albariño

$18.00 per bottle / $194.40 per case
$15.30 per bottle / $172.80 per case (Members)

Until 1989 Albariño was one of the rarest wine varieties in the world, rarely glimpsed outside the Iberian Peninsula. Since that time, this light yet vibrant white grape has become a darling of wine geeks worldwide with its preternatural ability to pair with all types of seafood, cheese and salty dishes.

Unlike our Albariño d'antan, this wine derives from two vineyards in the Central Coast: our own former Ca’ del Solo in Soledad, and Jesperson Ranch in San Luis Obispo. While it was fermenting, the wine was a true tangerine bomb, but now is more generally a citrus bomb, but with lovely floral top notes and a bracing brininess that makes it hugely food-friendly.

Very pale clear lemon yellow in color, it feels fresh like the sea, with aromas of lemongrass, laurel leaf, lemon oil, and citrus flowers. On the palate there is grapefruit rind, fresh lemon, and green almond flavors, with a silky texture that remains very cleansing and refreshing.

Great by the glass, it also pairs beautifully with briny foods like oysters, shellfish, seafood salad, fish crudo (or ceviche), or shrimp scampi with garlic and lemon. It’s a natural with fresh goat cheese, green olives, tomato salads (especially dressed with a drizzle of lemon-infused oil), tempura, and other Asian fare. One colleague pronounced it a triumphant pairing with her Spaghetti alle Vongole.

Vital Statistics:
Varietal Blend: 100% albariño
Vineyards: 65% Ca' del Solo, 35% Jespersen Ranch
Appellation: Central Coast
Alcohol by Volume: 12.5%
Cellaring: 2-5 years from release (Nov. 2011) Production: 1,015 cases