Zarate Karate; Textbook Albariño, 93 Points
Albariño has earned its place as one of the world’s great white grapes— crisp, expressive, and versatile. Few do it better in any kind of volume than Zárate. Founded in 1707, Bodegas Zárate is one of the oldest and most respected estates in the region, based in the heart of Val do Salnés — the coolest and most coastal of Rías Baixas’ subzones, and unquestionably its top terroir. The estate’s vineyards sit on slopes of xabre (decomposed granite), and the cool, maritime climate yields wines that are both aromatic and long-lived. This is Albariño in its purest form. The 2024 vintage is sourced from estate vines averaging over 35 years old, fermented with native yeasts and aged on the lees for added texture and complexity. It opens with classic orange blossom and citrus peel on the nose, followed by a palate that’s concentrated yet agile, with vibrant acidity, a gentle saline edge, and a mineral finish that lingers long after the last sip. There’s weight and depth here, but nothing heavy-handed — just a perfect balance of fruit, florality, and freshness. Imported by The Rare Wine Co., this bottle represents not just top-tier Albariño, but one of the benchmark producers of the region, quietly setting the standard vintage after vintage. It’s also a brilliant food wine. One of my all-time favorite pairings is Nantucket Bay scallops with finger limes and champagne vinaigrette with Albariño— and there’s no wine I’d rather pour alongside it than Zarate’s. Chill the bottle, prep the shellfish, and let the pairing do the talking.
Wine Advocate, 93 Points
The nose of the 2024 Zarate shows something savory, with a clear influence from the sea breeze and an almost salty twist in the finish. This is, of course, their flagship Albariño that always shows the character of the year, here very complete, with good ripeness, 13% alcohol and a very balanced mouthfeel. This is clean and precise, harmonious and elegant, with the chalky, slightly grainy finish from the granite soils. It's superb at this price point.
