A huge thanks to Mike at www.pleasebringmemywine.com for choosing this week’s #newwinethisweek and are you guys in for a treat or what? Mike has chosen the fabulous Albariño from Rías  Baixas for week 3 and I think it’s going to play a blinder on the back of a 7.7 score (out of 10) for Aussie Riesling and 7.0 for Chilean Carmenere.

As usual, as well as giving some recommendations for Majestic, Sainsburys and Morrisons, Mike has also written a great article North West Spain, where you will find Rías Baixas, the spiritual home of Albariño, as well as an intro to the grape variety. Here are the links to Mike’s articles and don’t forget the voting will be on www.pleasebringmemywine.com this week!

http://pleasebringmemywine.com/2014/01/20/nwtw-week-3-albarino-from-north-west-spain/

http://pleasebringmemywine.com/2014/01/21/nwtw-week-3-an-intro-to-north-west-spain/

http://pleasebringmemywine.com/2014/01/22/nwtw-week-3-an-intro-to-albarino/

I have a real soft spot for Albariño and have had many enjoyable bottles over the past few years. You won’t find many examples under £7, what you will find is the quality consistency at all levels of the pricing spectrum is very high. Below are notes from two examples that I enjoyed very much in 2013, one at £7.99 (recommended by Mike), and the other at £14.25. One of the wines would make an ideal mid-week option; the other has bags of character and complexity and would be great for a dinner party.

PS. I don’t know what my answer to the question “Would you choose two of the cheapest or one of the more expensive” would be!

Taste the Difference Albariño  2012, Rías  Baixas (Sainsbury’s  £7.99)

Very aromatic nose with apples, nectarines and even a hint of white flowers. There’s a rich mouth-feel that is very pleasant with plenty of lively apple freshness, peachy depth and a mineral and salty finish. Not bad at all – a fantastic Wednesday wine! 89 points

Sera da Estrela Albariño  2011, Rías  Baixas, Spain (Wine & the Vine £14.25)

There really is nothing to dislike about this wine. Lots of fruity intensity on the nose with apple, peach and even a touch of the tropics. All of the fruit shows its full glory on the palate and it has great body too; a lovely texture. The fruit stays with you for quite some time and the saltiness of quality Albariño is there at the end. Lovely stuff for any occasion. 92 points

Here are a few more options, along with the description taken from each of the respective websites. This week I have included a wine from ever brilliant The Wine Society and I placed my order this afternoon for delivery on Thursday… If you order by tomorrow, chances are you can get it in time for the weekend. You’re going to love Albariño … Don’t forget to vote and tell us what you think!

Taboexa Albariño 2012, Rías Baixas, Spain (Waitrose £10.49)

Layers of peach, floral and honeyed notes mingled with mountain herbs. Delicious with delicate white fish. (Description from http://www.waitrose.com)

Palacio de Fefiñanes Albariño 2012, Rías Baixas, Spain (Waitrose £15.99)

Enticing, elegant and mineral fruit style Albariño from old vines. Try this with shellfish. (Description from http://www.waitrose.com)

Tesco Finest Albariño  2011, Rías Baixas, Spain (Tesco £6.99 was £7.99)

The wine has an intense and elegant aroma, with hints of fresh ripe apples, pears, and apricots, as well as nuances of tropical fruit. On the palate it is rich, mellow, rounded and full-bodied, with a rich tropical character and a lingering finish. (Description from http://www.tesco.com)

The Society’s Exhibition Albariño  1012, Rías  Baixas (The Wine Society £12.95)

Peachy, pure and rounded with delicious balancing freshness, this fine albariño was made for us be Pazo de Señorans, one of the very top estates in Galicia’s Rías Baixas. The 2012 vintage saw quantities reduced by some 50% here, but the precious crop that made it to the winery benefited from extra intensity and riper fruit, and we are delighted to have secured it exclusively for Wine Society members. (Description from http://www.thewinesociety.com)