Bodegas Albamar Pepe Luis Albariño 2021

Region and Vineyards

This Albariño originates from the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, Spain, specifically the sub-region of O Salnés, celebrated for its Albariño wines. Located near the Atlantic coast, O Salnés has a cool, maritime climate that tempers the ripening of grapes and enhances their natural acidity. The region’s soils, predominantly granite and schist, contribute to the Albariño’s signature minerality and purity. The nearby ocean brings cool breezes that preserve the freshness of the grapes, while the combination of granite and schist provides structure and a distinctive saline quality to the wine.

The Pepe Luis Albariño is produced from small parcels of 40-45-year-old vines, grown organically. The vines are hand-tended, and grapes are harvested manually, respecting the natural environment. These older vines, rooted deeply into the schist-rich soils, yield lower quantities of highly concentrated fruit, giving the wine a unique intensity and depth.

Winemaking

The Pepe Luis Albariño is made using 100% Albariño grapes that undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, initiated in neutral French oak barrels. This approach imparts a softer texture and nuanced flavors without overpowering the wine with oak. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for an additional 12 months in neutral French oak, allowing it to develop layers of complexity and a rounded mouthfeel. Despite this oak contact, the wine remains fresh and vibrant, with an elegant integration of texture and minerality.

In line with Xurxo Alba’s commitment to minimal intervention, no fining and only light filtration are applied, and sulfur use is minimal at bottling. This gentle approach highlights the natural qualities of Albariño and enhances the unique expression of these old vines.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Light golden yellow with a clear, bright rim.
• Aroma: Aromas of orchard fruits, especially golden apple and pear, accompanied by subtle notes of wet stone and a hint of citrus.
• Palate: Soft and rounded, with flavors of ripe apple, pear, and a delicate touch of peach. The wine’s texture is smooth, balanced by a refreshing minerality that leads to a long, clean finish.

Did you know?

Pepe Luis is named in honor of Xurxo Alba’s brother, and this wine is a heartfelt tribute, crafted with a special focus on old vines and a delicate use of oak to showcase Albariño’s elegance.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seafood Risotto: The wine’s rich texture and mineral freshness complement the creamy risotto and highlight the seafood’s flavors.
• Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Herbs: The Albariño’s acidity balances the richness of the octopus, while its mineral notes resonate with the dish’s herbaceous elements.
• Galician Empanada (Empanada Gallega): The savory flavors of this traditional dish pair beautifully with the wine’s orchard fruit notes and saline finish.
• Roasted Chicken with Thyme: The softness and complexity of the wine enhance the herb-infused flavors of roasted chicken, creating a harmonious pairing.

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.