Founded in 1954, Virgen de la Sierra is a grape growers co-op with 579 members, and 710 hectares (1,753 acres) of vines growing at 750 meters above sea level. The average age of the vines is close to 40 years. The principal grape variety is Garnacha (60%). Others include Macabeo or Viura (20%) and Tempranillo (16%), with the remaining 4% being a mix of experimental varieties: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
The region's semi-arid climate and high altitude make for ideal growing conditions for quality Garnacha and Macabeo grapes. Hot dry summers, with a sharp shift in daytime to nighttime temperatures let grapes reach full ripeness, while maintaining good levels of acidity. The red iron-rich oils are rocky, with a mix of sand and gravel and a low amount of organic material. A thick clay subsoil helps retain moisture through the long dry summer months.
Light straw-colored, it offers an attractive nose of green apple, lemon-lime, white fruit, banana and melon. Ripe, crisp, and refreshing, this Spanish white wine has quite a long finish and it represents an excellent value.
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Item Number | Unit | Units/Case | Type | UPC - bottle | SCC Code - case | SRP/Unit |
S1EE210020MCS | 750ml | 12 | Glass | 7 84585 01929 8 | 1 07 84585 01929 5 | $12.99 |
Vineyards:
ALBADA Macabeo is made with 100% Macabeo grapes coming from very old vines. Most of them are over 50 years old and many of them are up to 100 years thanks to the enormous dedication of the grape growers, generation after generation. This wine has been selected to get profit from the great potential of old vineyards and little production of Macabeo located in the heart of D.O. Calatayud.
Winemaking:
After crushing and destemming the grapes, they were macerated during 10 hours at 11ºC. The following step was the drawing off the must, which fermented in a controlled temperature of 11ºC for 4 weeks. Long maceration on the lees are the perfect way to extract maximum flavors from the macabeo varietal.
Origin of the Name ALBADA:
The word "Albada" has two meanings: one refers to the ancient songs performed by the local vine growers, while the other means dawn. The circular art work of the label was designed by the artist Aitor Tellechea. It is an etching that represents the "Garnacha from Aragon", place of origin of this grape variety which is now spread worldwide. The circle means perfection, well-balanced power; from the beginning to the end. The course of life that begins again every season for our wine, in the vineyard.
Enjoy with rice dishes, baked fish or on his own as an aperitif.
"Brilliant golden straw color. Floral, tropical aromas and flavors of lemon blossoms, sour sop and honeydew, and pickled melon rind and mango with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long whole peach, green apple, and earth finish with fine, fruit tannins and no oak. A silky, tasty Spanish white with great purity and finesse."
- Beverage Testing Institute (August 31st 2016), 92 pts
Gold Medal - Exceptional - Best Buy