Bodegas Albamar Fusco 2021

Region and Vineyards

Produced in the Ribeira Sacra appellation of Galicia, Spain, Fusco originates from the Chantada zone, a part of Ribeira Sacra known for its steep, terraced vineyards and stunning views of the surrounding rivers. The region benefits from a moderate climate influenced by both Atlantic and Mediterranean weather patterns, which support Mencía's natural acidity and aromatic expression. The vineyards are planted on granite and schist soils, which lend a mineral complexity and freshness to the wine.

The Mencía vines used for Fusco are old, ranging from several decades to over a century, and are organically cultivated on 1.5 hectares of small, steep parcels. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, given the challenging terrain, ensuring that only the highest quality fruit is selected.

Winemaking

The Fusco Mencía is made with minimal intervention, beginning with destemming and a spontaneous fermentation of 10 to 20 days in stainless steel tanks using native yeasts. This wine is kept in stainless steel throughout the winter to retain its freshness and vibrant fruit character, with no oak influence, allowing the Mencía grape to express itself fully.

After fermentation, Fusco is bottled without fining or filtration, and with low to no sulfur additions. This natural approach preserves the wine’s brightness and clarity, emphasizing the purity and lively characteristics of Mencía from Ribeira Sacra.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red with a medium intensity.
• Aroma: Aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and a hint of fresh herbs, with subtle mineral undertones and a touch of floral elegance.
• Palate: Light and fresh on the palate, with flavors of juicy red fruit, delicate tannins, and a crisp, mineral-driven finish that lingers.

Did you know?

The name Fusco means "dark" in Galician, though the wine itself is anything but; Xurxo Alba chose the name more as a playful contrast, as this Mencía is notably light, fresh, and full of life.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Sardines: The wine’s acidity and red fruit complement the oily richness of sardines, while its minerality adds depth to the pairing.
• Charcuterie Board with Cured Meats: The wine’s freshness and subtle tannins balance well with the savory, spiced flavors of cured meats.
• Roasted Vegetables with Herbs: The herbal notes in the wine mirror those in roasted vegetables, creating a harmonious pairing that highlights both flavors.
• Lamb Chops with Rosemary: The light, fresh character of Fusco enhances the tender, savory flavors of lamb, while its acidity balances the richness of the meat.

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.