Terras Gauda, Abadia San Campo, Albariño

Not withstanding its price and that there are many other wines in this category that are really good, this is our favourite Albariño.

Made by the legendary Terras Gauda, it is a tingling, fresh vibrant, yet balanced wine that makes you wonder a few points: why aren't other wines this good? Why don't we only drink this? Where has it been all my life? And this list goes on.

One of the key secrets for the winery is that they own over 2/3 of the vineyards required for their production. This might not sound like much and may even sounds pretty poor - like, "wouldn't it be better if they owned the lot?" Well, perhaps, but that's not how land and vineyards ownership works for the most part in Galicia. Ownership is very fragmented and often small landowners and farmers have only a few acres, but that is what keeps them going. In the case of Terras Gauda, the vineyard ownership means that they can ensure top quality and consistency year after year, while maintaining quality, availability and price. Very, very good to know.

The wine is actually the 'entry' level of the winery and the others climg and rack up the price points very quickly; but it is this one that people love so much.

We can't help but agree.

Apricot, peach, lemon and greengage; pink grapefruit and sage. Whopper stuff.