Pedralonga Albariño 2022 (1.5 L)

Pedralonga is a special Albariño. It is a wine like those from bygone years, artisanal and authentic. The Alfonso family makes it following the same philosophy of their forebears, using traditional methods and biodynamic techniques, respecting natural rhythms. It is a wine made without any rush or dressing up, pure and well rested; they usually bottle it around July, when by then it is perfectly stabilised, and it gets released whilst a youngster, with plenty of life ahead of it, which shows the potential of this variety that has brought Galician whites well-deserved fame. Pedralonga has a special characteristic too: it undergoes malolactic fermentation on its lees which reduces that sharp acidity, rather harsh at times, which we find in many Albariños. Nevertheless, it maintains its freshness, a breezy Atlantic saline freshness, yet differing in this too, without the iodine notes that characterise other whites made from this variety. And a third important feature, Pedralonga is mineral. The granite soils leave their mark both in the glass and on the label. Notes of dry stone team up nicely with that marine freshness, along with aromas of ripe fruit on the sweetish side (lychees, green apples, fresh grapes) and a background of velvety sensations, like flower petals. The nose is lovely and pleasant, blemish free and also not excessive, not overly exuberant; it is simply and genuinely good. Its colour is pale yellow in the glass, with the tears running down slowly. There is a glycerin feel and a fruit-forwardness, as it fills the mouth and sticks to the lips, interestingly revealing an underlay of crunchy popcorn. More of an interior than a coastal Albariño, all things considered, it is flavoursome and concludes with a clean finish, which makes it a good accompaniment to a wide range of culinary options, from shellfish and vegetables pan-fried to seafood rice dishes, right through to white meats, noodle paellas and fish soups. A wine you’ll want to carry on pouring until every last drop has gone.