Lusco Do Miño Rias Baixas Albarino 2005

The 2005 Lusco do Miño Albarino is a serious white wine: bone dry, full-bodied, and naturally made. In short, there is no wimp in this wine. The 2005 Lusco Albarino sports a bright sun struck robe, which emits hints of pale green and a golden gleam. In the wine's expressive perfume, scents of apricot, pear, honeysuckle, and slate issue from the wine's deep stone fruit and mineral core. A classic Albarino, the 2005 Lusco recalls the essence of spring, when the first breath of warm vernal air begins to dispel winter's chill. Indeed, the scent of this beguiling Albarino is as seductive as its flavor, that of the icy waters of a mountain spring unto which flower petals and citrus blossoms have secretly fallen. However, what is, perhaps, most impressive about the 2005 Lusco Albarino is its great length on the palate. Moreover, the wine possesses a long, dry, lingering finish, not unlike the finest Viognier from France's Condrieu appellation. Once again, José Antonio Lopez has fashioned an Albarino that should dispel the outmoded notion that Spain only makes great red wines. We suggest you consume this tasty, sophisticated Albarino only moderately chilled (about 45°F) in order to revel fully in the viticultural glory of Spain. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2009.

With the sea at its doorstep, Galicia is as renowned for its seafood as it is for its white wine. And Albarino is quickly becoming Spain's most sophisticated and flavorful, dry white wine – the perfect match for seafood. Thus, fresh fish and the finest fruits de mer provide excellent accompaniments to the 2005 Lusco Albarino. Given Lusco's strong personality and considerable underpinning, we highly recommend it as an accompaniment to spicy fish stoups, bouillabaisse, cioppino, and other tomato based Mediterranean style fish stews. Sautéed shrimp in a fresh, moderately spiced tomato sauce tops our list of prime companions to the 2005 Lusco Albarino, too. However, most baked, grilled, or sautéed white fish, seafood kebobs or chowders offer considerable enjoyment in the company of the well bred 2005 Lusco Albarino. This is a wine that begs for interesting and intriguing dishes to truly shine. In fact, Albarino is rarely relied upon as a sit around and sip kind of wine. It is at its best with robust foods, even spicy hard to match selections, because it is difficult to overshadow. Asian stir fries, eclectic cuisine, and fusion fare provide equally exciting complements. So, be bold, be daring and enjoy the gustatory adventure that José Antonio Lopez provides in Lusco Albarino. Enjoy!

Lusco is the passion of José Antonio Lopez, the most important figure in the Rias Baixas. For more than two decades, Jose Antonio has been the "Superman" behind the resurrection of the once nearly extinct Albarino varietal and the leading champion of the entire Rias Baixas appellation of Galicia – a verdant, sea swept region which lies upon the lofty ridges of Spain's northwest corner. José Antonio began the revival of Galicia's fabled Albarino varietal more than two decades ago as founder and managing partner of the Morgadio estate. There he succeeded in recalling an obscure viticultural region to worldwide attention by creating dry, fully ripe Albarino wines, which critics have likened to Viognier, southern France's most expensive and compelling white wine. In order to create the ultimate Albarino – very dry, exotic, intense and wholly unique – José Antonio struck out on his own in 1996 with the acquisition of the renowned, mature twelve-acre, southeast-facing Albarino vineyard of Pazo Pineiro. Along with the acquisition of the region's most notable vineyard, José Antonio, also, purchased the nearby 16th century manor house (Pazo), whose meter-thick walls provide ideal insulation against temperature extremes, to serve as his winery. Lusco, from the Galician word for the pensive moments of anticipation and reflection just before dawn and dusk, fashions presently the most riveting of all Albarino wines. Albarino: Spain's Most Compelling White Wine Albarino is an indigenous Spanish varietal whose home is Rias Baixas and the Galician wine regions of northwest Spain and Portugal. Some enologists believe Albarino is related to the Petit Manseng variety of southwest France, just on the other side of the towering Pyrenees Mountains, but no dry white Petit Manseng can match the body and finesse of Spain's finest Albarino wines. Meanwhile, in Portugal Albarino goes by the name Alvarinho, where it usually ends up as a light summertime quaff in the guise of Vinho Verde. Surely, nowhere could the same varietal be so different as in Spain and Portugal. While Portugal picks this varietal early and makes a low alcohol wine (8.5%-9% on average), Spain, under the tutelage of José Antonio Lopez and similar minded individuals in Rias Baixas, turns out a full-bodied, intense Albarino with aromatic and flavor profiles akin to Viognier – the greatest white variety of France's Rhône Valley. Albarino is now being extensively studied and planted in other locales around the world, including Australia, California, and South Africa. Early reports from winemakers and consumers in Australia appear especially promising for the late maturing Albarino, as a long hang time is rarely a problem in Australia and the firm, bright acidity of Albarino is much appreciated. A debt of thanks belongs to José Antonio Lopez for resurrecting the great Albarino varietal and offering it to the world at lodge.