Item Number: 5154 UPC: None

Country: Spain
Region: Galicia Sub Region: Galicia
Appellation/AVA: Monterrei DO
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2008
Grape(s): 100% Albarello
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Case Production: 33
Alc by Vol(%): 13.5
Viticulture: Certified Organic
Elevation: 420 meters

About the Estate: The vineyard is 11.6 hectares (28 acres) with a 15% slope. From the proximity to Portugal, an estate here is called a quinta, rather than the traditional Spanish term finca. Muradella is named for a Celtic fort from the 3rd Century BC located near the town of Verin. At this bodega, winemaker and proprietor Jose Luis Mateo and the highly respected Raul Perez, a consulting enologist, make several wines all with certified (CRAEGA, the Consejo Regulador de Agricultura Ecológica de Galicia) organic grapes. The philosophy with QDM Albarello is to prevent the extinction of a great indigenous grape that was very popular during the 1800’s. Albarello is believed to be the oldest indigenous variety of Galicia and is nearly extinct. Quinta da Muradella’s other wines with the same purpose are QDM Sousón and QDM Bastardo. Through exacting work recuperating old vineyards, Jose Luis and Raul have crafted wines that have earned accolades from numerous wine publications.

About the Grape: Albarello is an intensely aromatic variety that needs time, or a process of slow oxidation, to express itself fully. A medium growth-cycle grape, it has good acidity and silky tannins. The vines are trained on trellis in the double cordon system. The grapes are certified

Vinification: There is a long maceration with 50% whole clusters before and after fermentation using the indigenous yeast of the grapes. There is lees contact during malolactic fermentation in 300-liter barrels before the wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, two years old. It is aged an additional 6 months in stainless steel tank to achieve a natural stabilization.

Tasting Notes: It presents a unique aromatic array (it was always regarded as an intensely aromatic variety) with a roasted, plum compote character. Sweetly fruited and seamless on the palate, this is a concentrated, elegant offering with no hard edges.