Albariño wines are known for their bright, crisp flavors that are best enjoyed unadorned. However, some of the top Albariños from Spain’s Rías Baixas region are aged on their lees before bottling, a technique more commonly associated with richer white wines like Burgundies or Chardonnays.
In winemaking, lees are the spent yeasts from fermentation that settle at the bottom of the vessel. While traditionally Albariño wines would be racked off the lees before aging, leaving the wine in contact with the lees can add complexity and texture to the wine. It can also protect the wine from oxidation and impart savory flavors like baked bread and nuts.
Unlike regions like Burgundy, where lees aging is typically done in oak barrels, Rías Baixas winemakers often use neutral tanks like stainless steel or granite for this process. This allows the wine to retain its natural brightness and minerality while gaining complexity from the lees aging.
Here are nine outstanding Albariños that showcase the benefits of lees aging:
1. 2024 Pazo das Bruxas Albariño, DO Rías Baixas ($25): A grapefruity and melony Albariño ideal for raw seafood, aged on lees for added depth.
2. 2024 Quinta de Couselo Rosal ($25): A crisp white with herbal and floral notes from lees aging.
3. 2024 Granbazán Etiqueta Ámbar Albariño ($27): Elegant lemon blossom-scented white aged on lees in stainless steel tanks.
4. 2022 Fillaboa Selección Finca Monte Alto Albariño ($35): Ripe citrus and melon notes with tingly acidity from lees aging.
5. NV Paco & Lola ‘Lola’ Sparkling Albariño ($42): Impressive sparkling Albariño with deep yeasty notes from lees aging.
6. 2023 Nanclares y Prieto ‘O Bocoi Vella de Silvia’ Rías Baixas Albariño ($45): Richly flavorful white aged on lees in a 90-year-old chestnut barrel.
7. 2022 Attis Embaixador Albariño ($53): Full-bodied Albariño with scintillating acidity aged on lees in granite tanks.
8. 2021 Pazo Barrantes Gran Vino Albariño ($55): Aged to develop complexity with savory herb and citrus flavors from lees aging.
These Albariños exemplify how lees aging can enhance the flavor profile and texture of these coastal whites, adding layers of complexity while preserving their natural brightness and minerality. Pazo de Señoráns, a prestigious winery located in the heart of Rías Baixas, Spain, is known for producing high-quality Albariño wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. One of their standout wines is the 2015 Pazo de Señoráns Selección de Añada Albariño, a premium offering that exemplifies the winery’s commitment to excellence.
The grapes for Selección de Añada are sourced from a small, old-vine parcel located just behind the winery. The vines grow in shallow soils, with a solid layer of granite underneath, which imparts a distinct minerality to the wine. After harvest, the grapes undergo a meticulous winemaking process that sets this wine apart from the rest.
Most of the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks, allowing the pure expression of the Albariño grape to shine through. However, what makes Selección de Añada truly special is that 15% of the wine is aged in acacia wood barrels. This unique aging process adds complexity and depth to the wine, enhancing its character and giving it a touch of elegance.
Winemaker Ana Quintela Suárez explains that the inspiration behind Selección de Añada was to harken back to the ancient Albariño style, where the wine was kept in large wooden tanks. This traditional approach results in a rounder, richer style of wine, with less emphasis on fresh fruit flavors and more focus on elegance and finesse.
The 2015 vintage of Pazo de Señoráns Selección de Añada Albariño is a prime example of this philosophy. It boasts a harmonious balance of flavors, with notes of ripe stone fruits, citrus, and a hint of floral aromas. The wine’s extended aging on its lees in stainless steel tanks adds a creamy texture and complexity to the palate, making it a truly exceptional wine.
While the price point may be on the higher end, the quality and craftsmanship that go into each bottle of Selección de Añada make it a worthwhile investment for any wine enthusiast. This wine is a testament to the dedication and passion of the winemaking team at Pazo de Señoráns, and it is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best that Spanish white wines have to offer.
