Although Pazo Barrantes has been the ancestral home to the Creixell family (owners of renowned Riojan labels Marques de Murrieta and Castillo Ygay) since the 15th century and where Albariño has been grown and made for generations, it was not until 1982, when the vineyards were re-planted and 1991, when the winery was built, that it became a commercial winery.
Located in the Salnés valley, the winery boasts 12 hectares that surround the 16th century Galician Palace. All the vines are trained high on supporting wires in the “Parral” trellis system, as is the local tradition, to guard against mildew and rot, and to assist ripening. The soil is sandy, acidic and shallow. Production is around 200,000 bottles per year.
After hand picking, the grapes are carefully de-stemmed and then gently pressed. The grape must (no skins) is fermented in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks for 30 days. The juice is left in contact with its lees for four months in the pursuit of texture and density. It is then aged in tank for at least five months and bottled three months before release. Bottled in March 2018 Pazo Barrantes develops an attractive aromatic complexity and mouth feel along its ageing in bottle.
Despite picking slightly fewer kilos than planned, the quality of the 2016 wines is outstanding. The Albariño grapes were healthy, while analysis reveal an almost perfect balance in terms of sugar, pH and acidity. The developing Albariño wines are ripe, concentrated, packed with fruit and will be very aromatic.
An aromatic, fresh and tasty white wine. A fantastic vintage that shows all the typical fruitiness of the albariño on the nose. White citrus fruit, floral notes and a mineral background. In the mouth, it is silky but easy to drink and with a very long finish.
Scarlet shrimp tartar, grapefruit and crunchy bacon; white asparagus pudding, white shrimp with mint; grilled scallops croquettes; marinated sardine, grapefruit jam and blood orange.
Serve at 12º-14º C
The Wine Advocate: 91 POINTS
February 28, 2019, Luis Gutiérrez
“The 2017 Albariño from Pazo de Barrantes goes back to the style of 2015 after the somewhat lighter 2016. 2017 was a warm and dry year that saw a very early harvest, but most of the wines don’t show any heat. This combines power with finesse, and it has great purity of aromas and flavors; it’s round but maintains the freshness. It’s varietal, with notes of white flowers and apples and a balsamic touch, and it has an intense palate with good balance and a tasty, almost salty finish, developing a spicy note reminiscent of white pepper. It’s powerful and has weight but also citrus freshness and a vibrant palate. This is a wine that always shows reliable. It was bottled in March 2018.”
JamesSuckling.com: 92 POINTS
August 2, 2018, James Suckling
“The white-peach aroma you expect from Rias Baixas, but also a subtlety that’s rare in this region. Lovely balance of creaminess and elegant acidity on the palate with a hint of salty minerals in the long, lingering finish. Drink or hold and this should age up to a decade.”
Rias Baixas, Spain
100% Albariño
Screwcap
13.3%
No
No
