Orballo Albariño, Rías Baixas 2024

This is a cracking example of Albariño from the heart of Rias Baixas, crafted by Bodegas La Val. Sourced from two vineyards - one high up at 300 metres, giving it that lovely freshness, and another lower down adding a touch of minerality and fruitiness. Expect ripe peach, floral and honeyed aromas mingling with a bit of mountain herbs, mandarin peel, and apple. It's got a lovely weight on the palate, thanks to the leesy texture, with ripe fruit and minerality balanced by a refreshing, zippy acidity. Generous but never over the top, it hits just the right balance.

Perfect with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or a pile of shellfish - the bright acidity and clean finish really lift the flavours, especially with richer sauces.

Bodegas La Val, a Rias Baixas pioneer was founded in 1985 and has made its name over the past two decades for producing classically styled, great quality, Albariño. In 2003 they built a brand-new winery in Arantei, over-looking the Miño river, and equipped with the most modern winemaking technology. Vines are around thirty years old, and are grown on the Pergola system, as is typical in the region. This aids ventilation of the grapes, protecting them from excess humidity and mositure. With over 90 hectares of vineyard across the region, they are one of the largest vineyard owners in Rìas Baixas, and all their wines are produced from their own fruit. As a result, they are one of the most reliable sources of good quality, moderately-priced Albariño.