2019 Zarate Albarino Rías Baixas Balado
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2019 Balado is the ripest of the Albariños that I tasted at 13.6% alcohol, a powerful and vibrant white with very high acidity (8.2 grams) and a low pH (3.12). Because it had very high acidity, it underwent 100% malolactic, and the wine has remained with very good balance and a lactic touch. It comes from two small plots in Sisán that were replanted ungrafted in 1959, both south-facing and shallow on granite soils enclosed by stone walls ("balado" in the Gallego language means "walled"). It's fresh and wakes you up, and it's very tasty and young, with citrus hints and a balsamic touch. 2,660 bottles were filled in May 2020.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Light chartreuse. Sharply delineated quince, white peach, Meyer lemon and honeysuckle aromas show vibrant mineral lift. Chewy, tightly focused and energetic on the palate, offering intense citrus and orchard fruit flavors that deepen slowly with air. Delivers firm grip and nervy mineral cut on the impressively long, incisive finish, which leaves behind floral and pear notes. These vines are reportedly over 150 years old.
Lots of dried apricot and peach with some lemon and apple. It’s full-bodied with tangy acidity and an electric finish to the exotic and tropical-fruit flavors. Complex and serious as always. Drink or hold.