A blend of 40% Mencía alongside 30% of each Caiño Tinto and Espadeiro. Whole clusters are foot-trodden and transferred to stainless steel where alcoholic and malolactic fermentation is completed. Rested for 3 months in stainless before being transferred to large 1500L neutral barrels for a further 6 months of refinement.
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2023
Country:
Spain
Region:
Galicia
Appellation:
Rias Baixas
Variety:
Blend - Other
Color:
Red
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | ES-ALB-08-23 | 12/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
92
Date
2024-11-19
"Aromas of ginger, wild berries and nervy fruit. The palate is direct, fresh and compelling. A crunchy red with mencia, caino and espadeiro. Drinkable now, but it will definitely evolve for the next couple of years."
Tim Atkin, MW
Score
91
Date
2026-01-12
"This is Xurxo Alba's cheapest red, sourced from 20 parcels in the Salnés Valley. Fermented with 100% whole bunches, it's a cuvée of Mencía with 30% each of Caíño Tinto and Espadeiro. Rose petal, clove and wet earth aromas segue into a palate of cranberry and pomegranate and savoury tannins. 2025-29"
Wine Advocate
Score
91
Date
2025-07-24
"I tasted again the 2023 Albamar Tinto, which was produced with Espadeiro, Caíño and Mencía grapes from the Salnés Valley. It's a light and easy-drinking red with a moderate 11% alcohol and freshness. It's evolving slowly, developing notes of dried rose petals and a honeyed touch and has almost unnoticeable tannins."
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
90
Date
2026-01-08
"The first year the 2023 Tinto was made, it is based around Mencia, which has structure but less acidity, Espadeiro, which offers elegance, and Caino Tinto, all three native varieties in the region and all whole-cluster fermented. After fermentation, the wine is aged six months in oak foudres. Flinty, slatey, and sleek, it is light-bodied with a fishy, peppery quality that intrigues. Drink now and for the next 5-7 years."
Vinous
Score
90
Date
2025-09-23
"The 2023 Tinto from Salnés blends Espadeiro, Caíño and Mencía. This aged for eight months in wooden vats. It is slender, with red fruit and herbal notes accented by a touch of violet. Aromatically intense, the palate is anchored in acidity, with lightly grippy tannins and tension. This is a well-made blend with an Atlantic profile at 11% alcohol and the soul of a white wine."