Dear *|FNAME|*,

What Alvarinho is to Vinho Verde, Riax Baixas finds in Albariño! This star white grape has ‘skyrocketed to popularity over the past quarter-century’, writes Wine Enthusiast, due to its deliciously bright fruit, salty minerality and energetic acidity. It’s a perfect summer wine and pairs incredibly well with seafood.

A mere hour’s drive separates the coastal regions of Portugal and Spain, and we’re excited to highlight two terroir-driven whites. From the Godfather of Vinho Verde, Anselmo Mendes’ Muros Antigos Alvarinho 2020 is classically styled. Rich citrus fruits follow a line of acidity and mineral intensity. Spain’s Lagar de Cervera’s Albariño 2021, influenced by the cooling Atlantic breezes, is precise and laser-focused, fleshed out by orchard fruit and white blossoms on the palate.

Alvarinho and Albariño thrive on the granitic soils and cooling influence of the Atlantic, which contributes to long growing seasons. These conditions create the notable aromatic layers and minerality that these wines offer. Though they over-deliver in their youth, you’ll be surprised by the complexity gained from ageing.

The wines have been trending for their versatility, and vignerons are showcasing this with various techniques such as skin contact and blending. Don’t miss the complex and textured Anselmo Mendes Alvarinho Contacto 2020 – ranked 31st on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 list for 2021. Another must-try is the intriguing Lagar de Cervera Pazo de Seoane Rosal 2021, a vibrant, floral blend of 60% Albariño, Caiño Blanco, Loureiro, and Treixadura.

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Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Anselmo Mendes, Muros Antigos Alvarinho 2020

'This wine has the creamy richness associated with Alvarinho from the Minho Valley. Ripe green fruits, minerality and a tangy texture lead into a zesty, fruity aftertaste.' – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100

'The 2020 Alvarinho Muros Antigos comes in at 12.7% alcohol, 7.5 grams of total acidity and 1.5 grams of residual sugar. Nicely constructed and showing off pure fruit on the dry finish, this also demonstrates some grip on the finish, with the ability to linger nicely. A perfect food wine and also easy to sip on its own, this is elegant but concentrated Alvarinho done well. It should age for about a decade.' – Mark Squires, Wine Advocate, 90/100

Lagar de Cervera Albarino 2021

'Ángel Suárez has been the winemaker here since La Rioja bought the winery back in 1987 and there's a corresponding sense of self-assurance about his whites. Marrying fruit from the granite soils of Cambados in the Val do Salnés with 80% from the schist of O Rosal, this is floral and appealing, with pear and boiled sweets' aromas, some cream from one-third malolactic and flavours of honeysuckle and lime.’ – Tim Atkin MW, 93/100

‘Clean and bright, green colour with golden reflections. Pronounced aroma, with the distinctive white fruit of the Albariño variety, such as apple and ripe pear. Pineapple and quince fruit hints are also prominent, with notes of lemon peel. Particularly crisp, lively and with good structure on the palate, with excellent persistence.' – Rioja Alta

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