Rias Baixas-based Granbazan doesn’t simply make albarino, it makes eight completely different variations of them, every in a specific type. Right now we have a look at a pair of wines, together with one with just a little age on it.
2024 Granbazan Albarino Etiqueta Verde – “Grown nearby of the Atlantic Ocean,” the grapes on this wine spend three months resting on the lees. The fruit right here is extraordinarily expressive, with a boldly tropical high quality that’s typical of Granbazan. The pineapple-heavy assault sluggish fades into one thing extra citrus-driven, significantly lime, which involves dominate the end, alongside some mild, white florals. The grassiness widespread in a few of Granbazan’s different albarino choices is absent right here, however the excellent news is the wine doesn’t really want it, because the one-two punch of pineapple and lime are lots to maintain issues intriguing to the tip. A- / $23
2021 Granbazan Albarino Limousin – Aged in oak a minimal of 4 months after fermentation — uncommon for albarino — plus 18 months in stainless-steel. The oak makes a giant distinction right here, giving the wine a sure doughiness that counterbalances the saline and fruit within the combine. Whereas tropical pineapple notes are initially heavy, the wine veers towards coconut because the end builds, leaning into gentle notes of oak, sesame seed, and lime. It’s much less overtly fruit-driven than Etiqueta Verde, however not each meal calls for an overload of acidity. Right here the wine finds some stability that helps it stand as much as heartier fare, meandering towards soothing notes of cooked guava on the fade-out. A- / $38
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