Bodegas Albamar Alma de Mar Albariño 2021

Region and Vineyards

Located in the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, Spain, Alma de Mar reflects the unique maritime climate of the O Salnés sub-region. This area is known for its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which provides cooling coastal breezes that moderate the temperatures and lend a fresh salinity to the wines. The region’s granitic and sandy soils, combined with abundant sunlight, contribute to Albariño grapes with exceptional acidity, minerality, and complexity.

The grapes for Alma de Mar are sourced from a single, organic vineyard near the sea, where the maritime influence is especially strong. The coastal environment adds a distinct mineral character to the grapes, enhancing the wine's saline quality. Cultivated organically and hand-harvested, this vineyard approach maintains the purity of the Albariño variety, allowing the terroir to shine through with precision.

Winemaking

The Alma de Mar Albariño is made with minimal intervention, beginning with a gentle press and spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts from the vineyard. The wine undergoes 8 months of bâtonnage, where the lees are stirred periodically to add texture and depth, followed by racking to separate the wine from the lees. A slight filtration and minimal SO₂ at bottling ensure that the wine retains its vibrant, natural character.

This careful process of aging on lees enhances the wine’s structure and aromatic complexity without overpowering the Albariño’s fresh and delicate nature. The result is a wine that is both pure and expressive, revealing layers of mineral, saline, and citrus nuances.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright pale yellow with a crystalline clarity.
• Aroma: Lively citrus aromas of lemon zest and green apple, complemented by a distinct sea breeze salinity and hints of wet stone.
• Palate: Crisp and refreshing, with a mineral-driven profile and flavors of lime, green pear, and a touch of white peach. The saline finish is long and precise, evoking the nearby coast.

Did you know?

Xurxo Alba, whose family has deep roots in the O Salnés region, produces this wine as a tribute to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, using his knowledge of Albariño to craft a wine that truly reflects the “soul of the sea.”

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Galician Mussels in White Wine: The wine’s saline notes and citrus freshness enhance the briny flavors of the mussels, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Parsley: The crisp acidity and mineral profile of the wine cut through the richness of the prawns, while its citrus flavors complement the garlic and herbs.
• Seafood Paella: The Albariño’s freshness and subtle saltiness are perfect for this classic Spanish dish, highlighting the seafood’s flavors without overpowering them.
• Sashimi or Sushi with Fresh Tuna: The wine’s acidity balances the richness of the tuna, and its clean minerality complements the delicate flavors of sushi.

History of Bodegas Albamar

Founded in 2006 by Xurxo Alba, Bodegas Albamar represents the Alba family’s deep roots in winemaking within the Rías Baixas region. Xurxo’s family has cultivated Albariño vines for generations in O Salnés, Rías Baixas, but it was Xurxo’s passion and oenological studies that led him to establish their own wine label. Xurxo Alba’s approach combines respect for Galician winemaking traditions with a drive to push the boundaries of quality and authenticity, showcasing Albariño’s full potential in single-vineyard and experimental bottlings.

Bodegas Albamar remains firmly rooted in Cambados, a town known as the "heart of Albariño." With vineyards next to his family’s restaurant and artisanal food shop, Xurxo’s connection to the land and sea runs deep. His work focuses on minimal intervention, relying on organic practices in the vineyard and native yeasts in the cellar. Over time, Albamar has expanded its offerings, producing Albariños and reds like Mencía that express both the freshness and complex minerality of Galicia.

Region and Vineyards

Bodegas Albamar’s vineyards are located in Rías Baixas, specifically in the sub-region of O Salnés, and some in the steep, terraced hills of Ribeira Sacra. The Rías Baixas vineyards, set on granite-rich soils near the Atlantic Ocean, benefit from cool coastal breezes, providing Albariño grapes with natural acidity, vibrant freshness, and a distinctive saline character. Meanwhile, in Ribeira Sacra, the challenging terrain of granite and schist soils on steep slopes offers ideal conditions for Mencía, producing wines with purity, finesse, and depth.

The Alba family owns around 2.5 hectares but sources additional grapes from neighboring plots in the O Salnés and Ribeira Sacra regions. All vineyards are cultivated organically, respecting both the environment and the traditional practices of Galicia.

Wine Range

Bodegas Albamar’s portfolio centers around Albariño in multiple expressions, from single-vineyard bottlings to unique cuvées that highlight specific terroirs within Rías Baixas. Wines like Alma de Mar, Pepe Luis, and Sesenta e Nove Arrobas exemplify Albariño’s versatility, with each wine showcasing distinct elements of minerality, salinity, and fruit character. Additionally, Albamar produces a red wine, Fusco, a fresh, mineral-driven Mencía that captures the essence of Ribeira Sacra’s terroir.

Each wine is crafted with a minimal intervention philosophy: spontaneous fermentation, no oak or neutral oak aging, and careful handling with low to no sulfites. Xurxo’s focus is to produce wines that are expressive, pure, and true to their origin.

Did you know?

The name Albamar plays on Xurxo’s love for the sea, as it translates to "white by the sea." This connection to the ocean is not only symbolic but also defines his winemaking style—fresh, saline, and vibrant wines that reflect Galicia’s unique coastal terroir.