The Data

Country   Spain

Appellation   Rias Baixas

Varietal   Albariño

Retail Price   $12

ABV   12.5%

Score   4.5 Stars/94 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, golden straw color.

The nose is quite vibrant and fragrant filled with the scents of spring flowers, freshly cut grass, lemongrass, green apples, and citrus with hints of mineral and fresh herbs.

The palate echoes the nose delivering a generous but sprite fruit-centric core with a pronounced tart and sour fruit note that adds so much dimension and intrigue while it finishes with hints of candied ginger, mineral, and lemon zest.

Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with waves of ripe and tart fruits.

Cool Factor

We love Albariño and especially when it's done right like this gem. This wine exudes so much personality and pleasure that it is the ultimate cool summer wine.

Value Grade

It's not often that you can get wine without pretense that delivers so much for such a little price tag.

Analysis

We absolutely love Albariño and this little gem is exactly what we are looking for as it delivers complex fruit notes with a distinctive sour fruit note that makes it impossible to put the glass down. The Altos de Cristimil winery was founded in 2006, in the famous Rias Baixas DO, while the family has been making wines in nearby Pontevedra for more than 100 years. The vineyard is rather small at just under 10 acres and just about 2,500 cases are produced so get yours fast! 94 points.

How to Enjoy

This wine is the perfect aperitif but when I sip it I wish I was having a beautiful bowl of ceviche as an accompaniment.