I’m unsure why I don’t drink more Rias Baixas Albariño – it’s outstanding and an incredible value! The wines from that region are refreshing, delicious, showcase the big flavors I enjoy in white wines and are food-friendly to boot.

I enjoyed this 2018 Bodegas Granbazán Etiqua Verde Albariño wine at a tasting dinner where it was served as an aperitif to go with an amuse-bouche and was pleasantly-surprised it was less than $20.  

About Bodegas Granbazán

In the 1960s, Manuel Otero y Otero purchased land that had been planted with eucalyptus and cattle feed in the hopes of converting it to vineyards. In the 1980s, his son, Manuel Otero Candeira, built Granbazán, a chateau with a beautiful building amid a vineyard pergola-trained vines.

Granbazán was instrumental is elevating the quality of wine in Galicia and for raising the reputation of Rias Baixas white wines around the world.

Bodegas Granbazán is now owned by Pedro Martínez Hernández, of Rioja estate Bodegas BAIGORRI fame, who endeavors to set new quality standards through his investments in vineyards and cellar technology.

Etiqueta Verde (‘Green Label’) is the entry-level offering from Granbazán. The grapes are hand-harvested and de-stemmed before undergoing a cool pre-fermentation maceration which helps to lock in and amplify aromas and structure.

Looks: Pale straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense juicy pear and grapefruit on the nose with some grassiness

Taste: Ripe melon and apple on the palate

Texture and Finish: Medium to full-bodied, crisp acidity with a bit of salinity on the finish

Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Albariño

Region: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain

Price: $19

Cheers,

Veronique