Albariño as it should be. Minerality and balance in a bottle. Strongly mineral, balanced and very focused and tight, like a good Chablis. Hidden amongst the steely character of the wine, stone fruits such as peach and apricot lurk. Unlike some paler versions of Albariño, this wine should last well over the next two or three years.
Zarate is a family-owned estate located in Meaño, the heart of the Salnés Valley in the Rías Baixas appellation. Grapes are sourced from 6.54 ha divided among 11 vineyards in the villages of Sisán and Padrenda, planted on mostly granitic soil. Average vine age is 35 years old. Climate is Atlantic.
From 1994, the vineyards have been un-tilled, with permanent natural cover (mint, dandelion and a dozen other herbs) and there are no herbicides or chemically synthesised nutrients. The grass is cut for mulch three times/year and no fertilisers are used. New vineyards are composted once with sardines and Atlantic seaweed, and planted to diverse selections of quality genetic material from Eulogio’s best holdings.
Wine Advocate Review:
The 2023 Zarate is the flagship Albariño that shows the character of the year, with more moderate ripeness, 12.5% alcohol and a balanced and elegant profile. It's clean, floral and still a little reductive (this is 100% stainless steel) and should open up with a little more time in bottle. There is some 30% of wine with malolactic in the final blend. It has less concentration and alcohol than the 2022, with more finesse and freshness and is a little more herbal. This is a superb example of Albariño from Salnés. 84,000 bottles produced. The bottle I tasted was bottled in June 2024. Anticipated Maturity: 2024-2029
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