Granbazán, Rias Baixas DO (Galicia, Spain) Albariño 2019

 Rias Baixas (Ree ahs Bye shus) is located in Galicia in an area called “Green Spain.”  It is shaped roughly like a square that creates the north-west corner of Spain.  It is truly green because of the Atlantic Ocean on its west and north sides, the inlets, or rias, made by the Atlantic into the coastline estuaries, and the Minho River that creates the southern border between Spain and Portugal.  Here, on both sides of the Minho, the white grape Albariño or Alvarihno is queen.  In this region Albariño is grown on trellises about six feet tall, which allows airflow among the vines to prevent mildew in this cool moist area.  This grape vine likes to sprawl across the top of the pergola where it gets plenty of sunlight.  At Bodegas Granbazan the focus is solely on Albariño.  The Etiqueta Ambar (Amber Label) is their signature wine made from 100% free run from their oldest vines.  It is a dry wine displaying a pale golden color and lovely tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and mango, along with grapefruit and light floral notes.  The luscious flavors are balanced with bright acidity.  Enjoy it with fresh seafood like crab or shrimp, ceviche, or sashimi.