2019 Bodegas Chavez 'Castel de Fornos' Albariño Rías Baixas

• Benchmark Producer
• 70 year Old Vine Albarino
  
• Consistent 90+ ratings
  
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine 

Bodegas Chavez is an incredibly important producer in Rías Baixas. They have been producing wine from their family-owned estate since 1955 and they were instrumental in the region being recognized as a designated growing region. The Family estate is in the Val do Salnes, which is said to be the birthplace of Albariño, right against the Atlantic coast. The cool sea breeze that rolls off the ocean keeps the grapes cool through their growing period which maintains a bright freshness.

The name Castel de Fornos comes from the name of the first vineyard the family purchased and happens to be where these grapes are grown. The Castel de Fornos vineyard is an old one, the average vine age is around 70 years. These old vines are great at producing small quantities of extremely high-quality fruit. Bodegas Chavez considers this vineyard their "Grand Cru."

The estate believes in a minimal intervention approach to their winemaking. In an attempt to produce a luxurious high-quality wine, they are only using free-run juice from these grapes, and allow some malolactic fermentation. After the wine goes through fermentation, they allow it to sit on its lees to pick up a little more weight and soften up the palate. 

Tasting Notes

This crisp and aromatic, with aromas of gardenia and green apple. The palate offers a full mouthfeel and refreshing citrus flavors, and a light herbal finish. 

Critical Reviews

"Typical Albariño aromas of apple, pear, and white flowers are pretty as they set up a round and fresh palate with medium-level acidity. A pleasant mix of orange, apple, and melon flavors are nothing but solid on a lasting finish that shows a touch of minerality.”  ~ 90 WE

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