Benito Santos Terra de Cálago Albariño 2008
Origin: Rias Baixas, Spain
Blend: Albarino (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: February 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Yellow-gold in color, this wine has aromas of ripe tree fruit with significant floral and spice notes. The initial sensation on the palate is one of sweetness, followed almost immediately by a tart green apple flavor. The finish is long, and reminiscent of spiced cider.
Our rating: We weren't impressed with this wine, which reminded us strongly of apple or pear cider. Which would have been fine, except the fruit flavors on the palate were weak and not harmonious -- or maybe they simply weren't well developed. Oak cellaring -- we're guessing that's where the spiciness comes from -- failed to soften the rough edges of this wine, giving it a somewhat medicinal character instead. We served our bottle with roasted chicken and potatoes, which we think is a good pairing. But in the end, we rate it Below Average, and not a good (in our opinion) example of this varietal. (Note: The bottle label depicted is slightly different from the one we reviewed.)
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Is yellow and intense aromas on the nose with citrus, floral, mineral and ripe apple notes. The palate is sweet, tasty, with a touch of acid and with possibility to accompany any kind of food."
Winery website: Terra de Calago.
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