Albarino Makes Summer Better
Every summer has a handful of wines that seem to find their way into every cooler, every beach bag, every backyard gathering, and every refrigerator door. Granbazán’s Albarino is one of those wines.
Albariño has become one of the great success stories of the wine world because it accomplishes something surprisingly difficult: it makes both serious wine people and people who "don't really know much about wine" equally happy. That is no small feat. Usually one group is discussing soil composition while the other is wondering where the nearest hard seltzer is located. Depending on the day, I have been known to be in either category.
Granbazán is one of the producers responsible for putting Rías Baixas on the map. Located in Spain's cool, Atlantic-influenced northwest corner, the estate has spent decades proving that Albariño can deliver both refreshment and character. Their vineyards sit close to the ocean, where cool breezes help preserve the grape's natural energy and freshness. The result is a wine that tastes like it was designed specifically for hot weather.
The 2024 “Etiqueta Verde” bursts from the glass with citrus, green apple, white peach, and a touch of salty sea air. It is bright and lively, with mouthwatering acidity and a distinctly mineral finish that keeps you coming back for another sip. There is plenty of flavor here, but nothing feels heavy. This is the vinous equivalent of opening a window after a week-long heatwave.
What I appreciate most about this wine is how effortlessly it disappears. Not because it lacks substance but because every sip seems to make perfect sense. One glass turns into two. One bottle turns into an empty bottle. It happens quickly and without warning. This is a wine that encourages you to stop checking your email, find a shady spot, and enjoy yourself.
92 Points, James Suckling
A crisp and refreshing white that has aromas of lemon peel, lime zest and green apples. It’s light- to medium-bodied with tangy acidity. Pristine, minerally and mouthwatering finish.