Bodegas La Val 'Finca de Arantei' Albarino 2023
(Rias Baixas, Spain) - [VM 92] [JS 92] [WA 91] [WS 90]

Produced from a selection of Albariño grapes from our 86-acre-vineyard “Arantei”, which is the best example of a single vineyard in the region. The vineyard is located in the old river bed, and pebbles are the main feature of this mineral and rich soil. Arantei is also one of the vineyards with the most sun-hours in the Rías Baixas region.

Ageing: Aged for six months on its fine lees. 10% of the wine is fermented in 600-litre French barrels.

Ratings and Reviews

92 Points - James Suckling:
Intense nose of citrus, oyster shells, sea salt and a touch of honey. Pretty concentrated and salty, with bright, tangy flavors.

92 Points - Vinous Media:

The 2023 Albariño La Val Arantei Single Vineyard hails from the Condado de Tea subregion in southern Rías Baixas. It comes from 37-year-old vines planted on alluvial soils by the Miño River. This 100% Albariño features golden hues and aromas of apple, pear and subtle herbal notes, with 10% oak aging adding hints of pastry. The wine feels delicate and creamy, showcasing a rich texture with intense freshness and a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. It presents a complex and deep expression of the vineyard.

91 Points - Wine Advocate:

The 2023 Arantei comes from the vineyard that names the wine, a selection of Albariño from the 26 hectares of 37-year-old vines planted in pergola on alluvial soils from the Miño River with clay that deliver fruit-driven and balanced wines. It has 12.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.35 and 6.9 grams of acidity. It fermented with indigenous yeasts; 10% of the wine matured in new 500-liter French oak barrels with no bâtonnage of the lees, 10% matured in used 300-liter French oak barrel with bâtonnage, and the rest was kept in tank with the lees for eight months. The oak is super subtle, and the wine is not tropical at all—it's serious, austere and just a little balsamic.