Heredad Chávarri Albariño 2012

If your knowledge of Spanish whites is limited to the old fashioned, heavily oaked white Rioja of yore, prepare to meet its exact opposite. In cool, wet Galicia in northwest Spanien, the winemaking DO of Rías Baixas is home to the spellbinding Albariño grape. Such is its popularity these days that growers can barely keep up with demand. Ruth Chavarri'sAlbariño comes from one of the grape'smuch preferred sites, close to the Atlantic coast, so it'sa really authentic example. It'sa complex compilation of nectarine and peach flavours with a fine minerality courtesy of the rich alluvial soils and a freshness thanks to cool sea breezes. All in all a Spanish fandango of delight whether sipped on its own or with white meats or catch of the day.