Albarino de Fefiñanes | Moreno Wines

Wine Producer:

Palacio de Fefinanes

Vintage:

2007

Winemaker:

'Moncho'

Winemaking:

Fruit from local growers is very gently (Wilmes) pressed. Vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperature.

Wine Style:

White

Winery Info:

Established in 1904, and still based in an actual palace, this is probably the most beautiful and historic bodega in the whole of Rías Baixas - a DO over 5 sub-regions stretching from the Salnés Valley in Pontevedra province right down to the Portuguese border.

Bodegas del Palacio de Fefiñanes was the pioneer of Albariño in the region, and they were the first producer to bottle wine under the DO Rías Baixas. This is a stand-out operation.

Built in 1583 in the spectacular main square of the coastal town of Cambados, both palace and winery belong to the urbane Juan Gil - who is actually a marquis (the Marqués de Figueroa) - and his family.
The winery buys almost all its grapes from local growers under long-term contracts
overseen by Fefiñanes’ oenologist Moncho.

The house style here is delicate and floral – which has become unusual in this area, given the many newer, artificial yeast inspired offerings now made in the region; and the straight Palacio de Fefiñanes is quite delightful – with a beautifully nuanced nose, a palate of baked apples, lemon and honey. Invariably drunk very young, it actually ages very well for 2 or 3 years.

Two further styles are also made, but in tiny quantities. They are, exceptional wines:
Tercer Año is aged on its lees for over a year, and released 3 years after production. The intensity of citrus fruit is astounding, the complexity and length remarkable.

1583, on the other hand, is barrel fermented, deliciously creamy, impeccably balanced, and for those in search of an alternative to super premium Chardonnay from Burgundy or even California.

Vineyard information:

The weather here is not unlike the north west of England (certainly in terms of rain!), and the vines are trained on high wooden trellises - in the traditional 'pergola' system. Indeed, there is such an abundance of green vegetation in this area that sometimes you could be forgiven for thinking you are on the edge of a rainforest.

With little of its own land to speak of the family continues to rely on a historical repertoire of quality local growers and produces a singular benchmark wines with overtones of lemon and honey. Though light flowery and aromatic when young when made from old vines those with sufficient acidity to develop in bottle take on a distinct and pleasing oily, petrolly character.

Food Pairing:

This area of Spain is famous for its fresh fish. Albarino is a perfect partner for this type of cuisine – fish gently grilled, baked or fried or partnered with a whole range of delicious shellfish, squid or octopus. In addition, apart from seafood, Fefiñanes is great as an aperitif, wonderful with salted almonds and a great partner to a range of tapas dishes. Enjoy!

Abv:

12.5%

Grape Variety:

Albarino

Tasting Note:

A benchmark style, showing the great Albarino character – fresh fruit, floral notes and subtle herbaceous elements combine in a silky white with a gentle minerality and refreshing acidity.