1583 Albariño de Fefiñanes 2017

Fermenting Albariño in oak was the norm until stainless steel arrived, and the 2017 1583 Albariño de Fefiñanes resumed that tradition of oak, as the wine finished fermenting in barrique, where it also matured for a period of three months with bâtonnage. The effect of the oak is really subtle, as I've seen lately in the best oaked Albariños, an aromatic variety that is quite sensitive to oak aromas and flavors. While it benefits from the élevage in wood, it has to be in well-seasoned, neutral casks so that they respect the character of the grape. The oak and the lees seem to have added some more volume and just a touch of honey, and it feels fuller than the regular bottling and less reductive. Pleasant and ready, but should also evolve. 15,485 bottles and 400 magnums produced. It was bottled in August 2018.

Fatter, fleshier, and more textured than the straight Albariño, the 2017 Albariño 1583 is another brilliant white from this estate that’s well worth seeking out. Notes of green apples, spice, and crushed rocks all flow to a medium to full-bodied white that has a dense, layered mid-palate, terrific balance, and a great finish. This beauty is geared for the dinner table and, as with the base cuvée, it should keep for 2-4 years easily. This cuvée is 100% Albariño that spent four months in French and American oak followed by two months in stainless steel.