Albariño has taken its time to get out of the blocks in Australia. Through no fault of its own, this exciting new variety had a troubled introduction here. Propagating material from Spanish authorities supplied to the CSIRO and subsequently to Australian wineries that was believed to be Albariño, was in 2009 identified as the French grape Savagnin causing a debacle with wide-ranging consequences.
Albariño is the iconic Spanish white grape variety with its homeland in Rias Baixas DO in the north-west Spanish region of Galicia. In neighbouring regions of Portugal, its genetic cousin is known as Alvarinho and it appears to have a close relationship to the French variety Petit Manseng.
Albariño is the iconic Spanish white grape variety with its homeland in Rias Baixas DO in the north-west Spanish region of Galicia. In neighbouring regions of Portugal, its genetic cousin is known as Alvarinho and it appears to have a close relationship to the French variety Petit Manseng.
Margan Estate was the first to plant Albariño vines in the Broke-Fordwich GI sub-region of the Hunter Valley in 2014. This is its second release and it forms an important part of the Breaking Ground wine range that celebrates the winery's new wave of Mediterranean varieties and viticultural innovation.
Co-owner and chief winemaker Andrew Margan feels Albariño has great potential in the Hunter given the Valley's similar warm maritime climatic conditions to Rias Baixas region.
Expressive aromatic bouquet
consisting of apricot, pineapple, citrus with hints of whipped cream and subtle florals. It's vibrant to sniff on and worth the price of admission.
The first sip is delicious. Bright apricot, lime, pear. lemon zest and honey flavours. Another mouthful shows the wine as light-to-meduim in weight with a long dry palate of zingy grapefruit acidity and well-balanced fleshy apricot and spicy pear flavours and mineral intensity.
The first sip is delicious. Bright apricot, lime, pear. lemon zest and honey flavours. Another mouthful shows the wine as light-to-meduim in weight with a long dry palate of zingy grapefruit acidity and well-balanced fleshy apricot and spicy pear flavours and mineral intensity.
It's textural through extended lees contact and midway, a little oily with a slight spritz action to walk it out towards the long zesty mineral aftertaste. Very well put together indeed.
This would be a worthy alternative to the Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigios of this world and if you are looking for a delicious point of difference wine-wise this spring and summer, look no further. Well Recommended.
Rating: 93+ Points. Website: https://www.margan.com.au
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