La Val Wines
Bodegas La Val was established in 1985 and was one of the first wineries in Rias Baixas. Unusual for the area, La Val produces it's wines soley from their estate grown grapes rather than buying from local growers. They own 150 acres of Albariño most of which are located in the Condado do Tea sub-region. The vineyards are trained in the pergola system which, in this very humid and rainy climate, allows for better air flow and ripening. The particular micro-climate of their main holding in Condado do Tea allows them to be the first winery to open the harvest, which is typically in the first half of September. Jose Maria Ureta, the current winemaker, is extremely well respected in the D.O. and considered to be one of the young up-and-comers. As a winery concerned with quality first and foremost, the new vintages of their Albariños tend to release in May/June of the year following harvest. Because great Albariño grapes are very high in acid, they tend to taste very "bitter" young. Producers that do harsh filtering, fining or sell slightly sweet styles do not worry about this and rush to market early. Quality minded producers like La Val let the new wine rest a bit longer in tank so that the harshest aspects of the wines' acidity has softened.
La Val Albarino 2021
$13.95 $17.07
James Suckling 90 "Oyster shells, lemons and green apples on the nose, followed by a crisp, mineral palate with bright, fresh acidity. Not quite intense in
Bodegas La Val 'Licia' Albarino 2021
$15.95 $19.26
Straw yellow with greenish hues, the Lícia Albariño has strong varietal characteristics with hints of grapefruit, candied fruit, quince jelly, notes of fresh herbs, green
La Val Albarino 2020
Vinous Media 92 "Green-tinged straw. Fresh citrus and pit fruits, quinine and a dusty mineral quality on the incisive nose. Bracingly dry and seamless in texture,
La Val Albarino 2019
"Quintessential Albarino...on the nose it shows aromas of lemon, melon, apple, and fresh herbs. In the mouth it is fresh and zesty, with citrus notes,
La Val Albarino 2018
Wine Spectator 89 Wine Spectator Top 100 Value Wines for 2019 "This firm white has a minerally character and rapier acidity, with notes of chalk and flint
La Val Albarino 2017
Vinous Media 90 "Bright straw. Ripe lemon and pear aromas, with a sexy floral nuance building in the glass. Fresh and incisive on the palate, offering
La Val Albarino 2016
Vinous Media 90 "Limpid yellow. Bright and incisive on the nose, displaying intense lemon pith, green tea and jasmine scents and a dusty mineral overtone. Dry,
La Val Albarino 2015
Vinous Media 90 "(all stainless steel) Light yellow. Fresh citrus and orchard fruits on the lively, mineral-accented nose. Juicy and focused, offering concentrated Meyer lemon, pear
La Val Albarino 2014
Vinous Media 89 "Pale, green-tinged yellow. Zesty, mineral-tinged tangerine, pear and quince scents pick up a gingery nuance with aeration. On the palate, refreshingly bitter citrus
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In-Store Pickup (Albany, NY)