The Burgans Albariño 2019 is sourced from vineyards in the Rias-Baixas DO in northwest Spain’s upper corner. This White wine is made by Bodegas Martín Códax, a wine collective formed in 1986.
Collectives or communes are common in Spain. Bodegas Martín Códax has 600 members, all small farmers with relatively small vineyards. One of the odd things about vineyards in the poorest soils and rocky, hilly land is often the prized location for grapevines.
The farmers typically have other crops and use grapes to add income. They individually do not have the ability or know-how to create their own wines. Banding together allows them to pool their resources and compete globally in the wine industry.
Burgans Albariño 2019 is imported by Eric Soloman Selections/ European Cellars. With imported wine, the import company is important. Most of the major, nationwide importers have a House Style. That does not mean the wines they feature are the same, but they often possess similar characteristics.
Following the importer is a useful method of discovering new imported wines. I have a handful of importers whose wines I almost always enjoy. They have an excellent track record that matches well with my tastes. It is one of those things that you will have to find for yourselves. I can tell you which importers have wines that I like, but I can not tell you which wines you will like. Seek, and ye shall find.
Albarino, I think, is an under-loved grape. Every time I drink a glass, I wonder why I do not drink it more often. I think of it along the lines of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. Not so much in flavor, but when and where it can be enjoyed.
The Burgans Albariño 2019 is sourced from 20 year old plus vines from vineyards located around a local hill named Burgans. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged an additional three months on lees, stirred.
As a refresher, on lees is a French wine term that indicates that the spent yeast and grape residue is left in the tank during the aging period. It can give the wine a nutty, salty characteristic. When the less are stirred, the wine can take on a creamy texture depending on how often it is stirred. The alcohol content is a mild 12.5%.
Burgans Albariño 2019 Tasting Notes
The color is wheat beer yellow. The nose is a pretty blend of melon, apple, lemon, and honey, along with tangerine, peach, and a whiff of spring flowers.
The Burgans Albariño 2019 sleek, silky wine, with interesting, balanced flavors. It starts with Green apple, lime, apricot, orange, and peach. The mid-palate adds pear, grapefruit, nectarine, and light spice. The acidity is plentiful but balance and stays in its lane.
The Summary
- The Burgans Albariño 2019 is a delicious White wine, and it is both familiar and exotic.
- It has an excellent mouth-feel, which greatly adds to the drinking experience.
- This is a wonderful wine; I found the Burgans Albariño 2019 for $14.99, it truly drinks great. Why don’t I drink Albariño more often?
