2013 Alfredo Maestro, Albillo “Lovamor” White, Castilla y Leon, Spain.
This rare varietal, Albillo, makes for a unique and interesting white wine, especially in the hands of Alfredo Maestro, a brilliant natural winemaker that uses old vines and a gifted touch to create handcrafted wines near the Ribera del Duero region. The Lovamor white is brisk and full of live and extract showing citrus, chalky minerals, hints of tropical essence and white peach in a tangy dry style with a salty edge. Coming from organic and dry farmed vines, the Alfredo Maestro Albillo made with some skin contact and aged in neutral vats, without sulphur and wild yeast fermentation. These wild vines are between 110 and 120 years old on limestone, giving intensity and regal class to this beautiful and savory white, plus the 6 day skin contact adds a golden color and exotic twist. The finish is surprising long and has spring flowers, dried herbs and orange peel. Alfredo Maestro is one of the best at natural wines in Spain, and his wines really make an impression, you really should check them out, and especially his Tinto’s from old vines, which are mostly Tempranillo, but also some Garnacha from near Ribera del Duero and also the Madrid region, these are lovely expressions of place.
($32 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
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