Cromavera’s varietal Albariño is fermented and aged in a mix of stainless steel and neutral oak barrels. It’s fragrant of sharp citrus, especially lime peel, with hints of musk. It’s sappy on the palate, with coating yellow and green citrus fruits and a midsection like biting their bitter pith. It’s less saline than Galician specimens, and riper, too. Albariño can be a big wine, and this wine keeps that promise.
It needs substantial cuisine. Try rich shellfish, roasted poultry, or medium-aged cow’s or goat’s milk cheeses.
2019 Cromavera Albariño San Luis Obispo County
14.1% ABV | $27 (sample)
More and more Albariño bottlings out of California these days. Will be interesting to see if they can carve a niche.
I think the grape may be well suited, given that it likes the ocean and ripeness.