Albarino
75cl * Vegan * 12.0% ABV * Galicia, Spain
Named for the Galician bruxas (witches) who lived among the enchanted woods and vineyards of Spanish country houses (pazos) and conjured up spirits through magic and dance. And so, they say, as the sap rose through the vines, endowing those witches with strength and vigor, so did the sap through these Albariño vines, creating a wine with more than a little touch of something special.
This is one of the many wines from the family Torres - but don't let the size of the company put you off. The head of the family, Miguel Torres, still takes a huge interest in each and every wine, especially the ones from his home country of Spain.
“Pazo das Bruxas” is mostly produced with grapes from the O’Rosal area, in combination with grapes from Salnés. Both are known for their bracing Atlantic climates with mild winters and high rainfall, sandy soil and granite rocks offering great drainage. The Salnés area is colder than O’Rosal, which leads to slightly slower ripening and wines that are more acidic.
The wine itself is pale yellow and fragrant on the nose, offering perfumed and citrus notes coupled with fruit aromas (white peach) over a touch of minerality characteristic of the terroir. Initially sweet, followed by a fresh, clean evolution across the palate and a long, elegant finish. An excellent aperitif. Good with raw, cooked or grilled seafood. Pairs perfectly with mild, white fish. Its lively palate strikes a perfect balance with soft goat cheeses.
The 2022 vintage Pazo das Bruxas has been recognized as 'Best of Show Rías Baixas' in the prestigious international contest Mundus Vini, held in Germany in 2023. The award-winning vintage has been produced in the new winery named Torre Penelas, which the Torres family acquired last year and is managed by winemaker Víctor Cortizo. In addition to brand new winery, the 2022 vintage is presented in a new Burgundian bottle format, which has allowed the weight of the bottle to be reduced by 28%, reducing the CO2 emissions, in line with the environmental commitment of the Torres family.