Gran Vino de Guarda La Comtesse 2019

The top-of-the-range 2019 La Comtesse comes from a vineyard called Cacheiro, 1.4 hectares of their oldest vines (planted in 1965) that deliver lower yields and aim to showcase the aging potential of Albariño. The must fermented in 3,000-liter oak vats where the wine was kept for 12 months, the first three with the lees, and then it was kept in concrete for a further 12 months. It has a golden color and an intense nose but with subtle aromas and almost no trace of oak. 2019 was a warmer, very complete and balanced year of powerful wines with concentration, clout and very good balance and freshness. This has 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.25 and 7.3 grams of acidity. It has a round and creamy texture and is velvety and tender, sleek and elegant. 9,655 bottles and 400 magnums produced. It was bottled in April 2022.

It’s a joy to taste and drink this Rias Baixas, which shows ripe pineapple, quince, cream, meringue, apricots, seashells and minerals. Substantially full but paradoxically light as well, thanks to its bright acidity. Long, creamy and taut, with a lightly saline ending. A vinous albarino to drink or hold.