2024 As Laxas "Laxas" Albariño Rias Baixas

Albariño is undoubtedly one of Spain’s gifts to the world – it’s fresh and crisp, bursting with stone fruit and lemon zest flavors, making it the ultimate wine for summer. Though the vast majority comes from Rias Baixas, in Spain’s cool northwestern corner, there’s a surprising amount of variation within the region, generally dependent on how far away the Atlantic ocean is. Examples close to the coast are lean, mineral-driven and saline, while those more inland, like the 2024 Bodegas As Laxas Albariño, retain the bright freshness the variety is so well-known for, but add in densely packed nectarine and apricot notes, along with tangerine peel and fragrant lemon blossom. On the palate, the wine feels round and juicy, but that racy acidity adds structure and leads into a lingering finish. The slightly weightier style of this wine also makes it an excellent match for richer seafood and fish, like grilled shrimp or braised octopus, or even poke bowls. This is such a delicious and drinkable style of Albariño that’s also just highly enjoyable and uncomplicated to drink – it’s going to be hard to stop at just one glass! And at well under $20 per bottle, there’s no reason not to stock up on this one by the case.