Bodegas Castro Martin - Ribadumia Barrantes

The family history of the founders of Cellars Castro Martin dates back many years. Documents dating from 1887 prove the existence of an old wine cellar and the selling of white wine made from Albarino grapes. In 1982 it was decided to expand and improve the installations, and a new cellar was constructed that included the most up date technology. This has ensured the best conditions for the making and storage of the wine using the minimum treatment and handling.

The vineyards are situated in the heart of the Salnes Valley, enjoying the best possible geographic sites, and best suited to the requirements of the Rias Baixas D.O. The principal goal of the Company is to produce the best white wine possible, but has set itself a quality ceiling of 30,000 cases The future objective is to increase the size of its vineyards holdings and therefore become less dependant on other growers for the purchase of grapes.

At the moment Bodegas Castro Martin owns 65% of it's own vineyards, all of which are located in the Municipio Ribadumia - Barrantes (Pontevedra-Galicia) that is considered to be the best grape growing area.
The vineyards are named: Pazo of Barrantes, Iglesario of Castrelos and Finca of Cunchidos.
The annual grape requirements are supplemented by purchasing grapes exclusively from growers within the Municipio of the Salnes Valley.

Galicia's legendary Albarino grape until the late 1980's remained just that, a legend. Often thought to be a 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 over-production 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. Rias Baixas was established as part of an ongoing movement to recuperate and assure authenticity.

Albarino Ð Avian : A clean, fresh and brightly color wine, made from 100% Albarino. It is a wine that not only makes an excellent accompaniment for food, but can just as easily be enjoyed as an aperitif - a real pleasure for the senses.
* Denomination of Origin (D.O.) - Rias Baixas
* Area of Production: Val do Salnes
* Grape Variety : Albarino
* Vineyards: 10 - Hectares
* Average age of Vines: 50 years

Tasting notes: A highly aromatic wine, made from the tiny Albarino grape that once vinified unfolds an astonishing array of subtle, delicate aromas, reminiscent of freshly peeled fruit.
It has a fresh, zesty acidity that helps to balance, and , in a way, tone down the heady fragrance of the juice. Clean, intense and very long finishing on the palate.

These Foods are Complemented by Albarino

Raw Oysters,Sushi & Sashimi
Piquant & Salty Tapas
Grilled Trout
Hummus
Lemon Pepper Roast Chicken
Scallops, Clams and Calamari
Cajun Style Shrimp
Pasta w/ Cream Based Seafood Sauces
Omelettes
Brie, Chevre & Fresh, semi-soft cheeses