(2016) The Co-op of Condes de Albarei's Albariño is delicately perfumed and ultra-fresh and refined aromatically, delicate seashells and flowers amongst the downy peaches. In the mouth it's all citrus and slightly tart apple, a good crisp and lively style, though perhaps just a tad harsh in the finish after that lovely nose.
(2014) A highly unusual wine to kick off the selection, this is a gently sparkling Piquepoul (or Picpoul), bottled with less than 3 bar of pressure, so significantly lower than the average Champagne, and with 11g/l of residual sugar which is around the same as most Brut Champagne. A 'Vin de France' designation, it's a charmat method fizz, with secondary fermentation in tank rather than individual bottles, and it has 12% alcohol by volume. It pours a very pale lemon/straw colour with lots of only gently streaming small bubbles. Apple is the immediate aroma, with a tiny hint of almond, indeed it has a gentle custardy softness. In the mouth the delicate bubbles really suite the wine, with no aggression to the mousse, and those creamy apple flavours filling the mouth nicely. It feels soft - even just off-dry - but there's lemon and hint of orange to the acidity in a really nice alternative to quality Prosecco.
(2010) >From the Los Lingues vineyard close to the Andes in Colchagua, this has abundantly ripe, creamy, but nicely lifted and elegant black fruit on the nose with a touch of violet and pepper. The mouth is flooded with elegant, quite taut and racy fruit, edged with cherry and staying beautifully focused and harmonious. A stunner.
