Bodegas Zarate Balado Albarino 2023

Founded in 1707, the family owned Zárate estate is located in Rias Baixas' Vale do Salinas subregion. Their sloping, weathered granite vineyards are translated via Albariño, a grape intrinsically associated with the estate. Seventh-generation Eulogio Pomares runs this historic bodega today, farming almost fully biodynamically. From the oldest vineyard of Albariño in Rias Baixas, planted pre-phylloxera, these granitic-soiled vines in Val do Salnés are around 150 years old, and farmed with some biodynamic principles. After a native ferment in stainless, this is left on lees for 9 months, without bâtonnage, or MLF. Ripe and powerful, this forward white leads and carries pear butter, white honey, white peach along a fuller, gently expansive palate, all held to attention by a buzzy granitic grip that livens the underneath. This lingers long on the palate, finishing with a wash of meadow herbs and salinity. Super smart and quite polished, drinking now and with ample time ahead in your cellar. (Treve Ring).