Morgadio Albarino 2004

Galicia's legendary Albariño grape until the late 1980s remained just that--a legend. Often thought to be distant relative, perhaps even an immediate ancestor of the Riesling, its high quality and extreme scarcity assured its perennial position as Spain's (and one of Europe's) most expensive wine grapes. The high cost tempted many to stretch production through overproduction and blending resulting in frequent disappointment on the part of the adventurous taster. Authentic examples were produced in tiny, unstable lots which never made it outside the region. In 1988 the D.O. Rías Baixas was established as part of an ongoing movement to recuperate and assure authenticity. Refocusing attention on a superior microclimate and fuller style, Morgadío ("only son" in Gallego) set new standards upon its release.

In 1984 a farm named Morgadío in the Rías Baixas subdistrict of Condado do Tea near the aldea of Albeos was consolidated from multiple existing owners, and planting began. Vineyard area was gradually expanded to its current 148 acres. Within Rías Baixas there are three primary subdistricts: El Rosal and Val do Salnés on Galicia's rainy Atlantic coast, and Condado do Tea inland on the north bank of the Miño River, a situation remarkably reminiscent of Germany's Rheingau. Condado's benign climate, southern exposure and soil of brilliantly-reflective granite sand serve to maximize the Albariño's concentration.