2023 Columna Albarino, Rias Baixas

DO Rías Baixas, on the Northwest Atlantic coast of Spain, is home to the queen of Spanish white grapes – Albariño. This rocky coastline is stark and lush all at once, with cold wet winds coming off the ocean providing moisture for plant growth as well as harsh climate for growing wine grapes. Rías Baixas is comprised of 5 non-contiguous subzones that give a wide spectrum and rich tapestry of terroir to Albariño, which is a grape that is known for showing its provenance very clearly. In the case of Columna, we find ourselves in Condado de Tea, on the banks of the Miño river, inland from the coast and just above the border with Portugal. As the warmest subzone, Condado de Tea produces wines that showcase more generous fruit and ample body than those from the coast. Alberto Orte makes this wine with Rodri Méndez, Rodri Mendez, considered one of the best growers and winemakers in Galicia and a world-class authority on Albariño, from vineyards planted in the mid to late 70s in granite soils. Both winemakers share a philosophy of thoughtful winemaking, and Columna is painstakingly handmade from harvest to bottle, using ambient yeast fermentation. Finished in stainless steel, Columna is a fresh, approachable expression of Albariño that is a versatile pair for a wide variety of food or delicious by itself.