Bodegas Albamar Sesenta e Nove Arrobas Albariño 2020

Region and Vineyards

Hailing from the renowned Rías Baixas region in Galicia, Spain, this Albariño is produced from vines located in the O Salnés sub-region, a terroir marked by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal influence brings a maritime freshness to the wines, complemented by the mineral-rich granite soils that characterize this area. Galicia’s moderate, maritime climate allows for a slow and even ripening, resulting in grapes with vibrant acidity and nuanced flavors.

The Sesenta e Nove Arrobas Albariño is crafted from five small parcels of 50 to 100+ year-old vines planted on granite-rich soils, cultivated organically. These old vines produce lower yields of intensely concentrated grapes, offering a rare depth of flavor and character. Hand-harvested to preserve quality, these grapes reflect both the regional terroir and the care taken in their cultivation.

Winemaking

This Albariño undergoes a natural, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks, preserving the freshness and natural aromas of the grape. Following fermentation, the wine is aged sur lie for over a year in stainless steel, which enhances the texture and complexity without imparting any oak influence. This prolonged lees contact gives the wine a subtle roundness while accentuating its vibrant acidity and mineral backbone.

Bottled without fining or filtration, and with minimal sulfur addition, 69 Arrobas embodies an authentic, minimally-interventionist approach. This wine is unadulterated and best decanted before serving, allowing its complex layers of fruit and minerality to fully emerge.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright pale yellow with a slight golden hue.
• Aroma: Subtle and evolving, with initial hints of ripe lemon and stone fruit that open to notes of wet stone and fresh sea breeze.
• Palate: Clean and refreshing, with a core of tangy minerality balanced by ripe citrus, peach, and a slight salinity. The finish is long and vibrant, with a lingering minerality.

Did you know?

The name Sesenta e Nove Arrobas translates to "69 arrobas," an old Spanish unit of measurement, referring to the 1,000 liters produced of this unique Albariño. This limited production showcases Xurxo Alba's commitment to preserving winemaking traditions while honoring the exceptional character of his oldest vines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seafood Fideuà: The wine’s acidity and mineral notes highlight the seafood flavors, while its structure pairs well with the richness of the fideuà.
• Grilled Razor Clams with Lemon and Garlic: The Albariño’s saline finish and bright citrus notes complement the briny and delicate flavors of the clams.
• Galician Pulpo a la Brasa (Grilled Octopus): The wine’s mineral backbone and citrus profile enhance the smokiness and tenderness of the octopus.
• Spanish Manchego Cheese: The creamy and nutty flavors of Manchego create a balanced contrast with the Albariño’s refreshing acidity and mineral-driven profile.

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.