Gapsted Estate is thrilled to unveil our latest wine release, the High Country Alpine Valleys 2024 Albariño. This release marks a significant milestone for us, as it’s the first time we’ve ventured into crafting this exquisite Spanish varietal. In keeping with our commitment to exploring and celebrating the wines of the Iberian Peninsula, Albariño joins our growing portfolio of Spanish-inspired wines, bringing a fresh and vibrant expression to the mix.
If you’re a fan of other aromatic white wines, such as Viognier or Riesling, you’ll likely find a lot to love in our Albariño. It shares the aromatic intensity of Viognier but with a crisper, more refreshing palate that Riesling enthusiasts will appreciate. Like these varietals, Albariño is known for its ability to convey the nuances of its terroir, making our Alpine Valleys rendition a true expression of its origin.
Albariño, meaning “little white wine,” thrives in the unique climate of the Alpine Valleys. Sourced from a vineyard near Lake Buffalo, this region benefits from cooling temperate breezes that help preserve the grape’s delicate aromas and vibrant acidity. The 2024 vintage reflects the perfect balance of ripeness and freshness.
Our winemaking process for this Albariño was meticulous. After harvesting, the grapes were immediately cooled to preserve their pristine condition before being gently pressed. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, where a specific yeast strain was selected to highlight the floral notes and bright, varietal aromatics. Extended ageing on fine lees, with regular stirring, added depth and complexity, culminating in a wine that’s both vibrant and silky, with a lingering finish that invites you back for another sip.
On the nose, expect an explosion of floral aromas intertwined with tangelo, guava, and passionfruit. The palate is equally captivating, offering intense exotic fruit flavours—think cumquat, guava, and sweet lemon—complemented by a fresh, complex minerality and a fine, textured structure. The vibrant acidity is balanced by the rich, silky finish, a testament to the extended lees work that gives this wine its exceptional mouthfeel.
Albariño is a versatile wine when it comes to food pairings, thanks to its bright acidity and aromatic complexity. Here are a few dishes that would complement our High Country Albariño perfectly:
- Seafood Paella: The wine’s citrusy notes and minerality are a natural match for the saffron and seafood flavours in a traditional Spanish paella.
- Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Herbs: The wine’s freshness will cut through the richness of grilled octopus, while its floral and citrus notes will enhance the dish’s lemon and herb seasoning.
- Vietnamese Spring Rolls: The exotic fruit flavours in the Albariño pair beautifully with the fresh herbs and sweet-sour dipping sauce of Vietnamese spring rolls.
- Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: The wine’s acidity and texture complement the creamy tang of goat cheese and the bright flavours of a citrus vinaigrette.
We’re excited to share this new release with you, and we believe it will quickly become a favourite among those who appreciate the balance of vibrant acidity, aromatic complexity, and rich texture that Albariño offers.
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