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The Ruta 49 Rias Baixas Albariño 2023 is a $9.99 Trader Joe’s import wine, it seems to be an exclusive since I did not see it available at other US retailers. Bogedas Vina Cartin produced this wine in the Rias Baixas DO of Galicia in northwest Spain. This is along the Atlantic Ocean north of Portugal. Most of Spain is hot and dry, but this climate is not too different from New Zealand.
Albariño is possibly THE White wine of Spain. It is one of those White wines that reminds you of Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay, and some Reisling but isn’t exactly like any of those. It is crisp and fruit/citrus forward and drinks especially well in the heat of the summer. It also pairs well with shellfish, fish, white pasta, and fancy salads.
The Ruta 49 Rias Baixas Albarino 2023 is sourced from vineyards in the Val do Salne sub-region of Rias Baixas. Vinas Cartin founded in 1977 only makes Albariño wine.
The grapes come from Estate vineyards with vines averaging 30 years of age. The vineyard soils are over granite which will give this wine a certain level of minerality.
The Ruta 49 Rias Baixas Albarino 2023 is a dry wine, vegan friendly with an alcohol content of 13%. One of the final stages of winemaking is the fining of the wine. That is where solids are removed from the wine before bottling. The solids can be dead yeast or grape skin residue that made it through the screens. The best way to perform fining is to use a compound that uses egg whites to attract the solids. A method using minerals instead of egg whites is used when the winemaker wants to make their wine available to Vegans.
The Ruta 49 Rias Baixas Albarino 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is wheat yellow. The nose is melon, lemon, green apple, grapefruit, peach, candy spice, and dried pineapple. The Ruta 49 Rias Baixas Albarino 2023 has a viscus texture, with bold, interesting flavors.
This Albariño tastes like pineapple, coconut milk, peach, melon, and a hint of cream (maybe they stirred the lees), and apricot. The mid-palate mirrors the main body of the wine bit does add nectarine, lime, and apple.
The acidity is well-balanced and this wine has good length with a strong finish.
The Summary
- The Ruta 49 Rias Baixas Albarino 2023 is a very satisfying wine.
- Tastes delicious, is well-made, and sells for $9.99.
- If you are interested in expanding your White wine palate, this is a good place to start.
