Le Sommelier presents an authentic Rías Baixas winery, founded in 1707.
The impact of Bodegas Zárate on Galicia cannot be understated. Founded in 1707, the estate sidles up along the lower reaches of the Umia River, where the cool climate, sloping weathered granite vineyards are translated through the region’s native grapes. Chiefly amongst those is the bracingly fresh and aromatic Albariño, a grape intrinsically associated with Bodegas Zárate.
In 1953, Ernesto Zarate initiated the Albariño Festival in the region’s capital of Cambdos. Infamously, he withdrew his wine from the festival’s competition after winning first place three years in a row, vowing not to re-enter until another grower matched his accomplishment. As of today, none have.
Seventh-generation Eulogio Pomares runs this historic bodega today, continuing the legacy of quality founded by his ancestors. His farming is almost fully biodynamic, and he works the soil manually, utilizing cover crops and his own herbal teas for vine treatments. All new plantings are massale selections from the estate’s oldest vines, and fermentations are made with native yeasts. His close relationship with the vineyards is evident, and impressive; practicing natural viticulture in Spain’s coolest and wettest winegrowing region is a challenge, but one Eulogio has mastered.
While Albariño remains at the fore of Galicia and the winery, and Eulogio has focused on the particularities of site and microclimate with the grape, his vision reaches further; he has also been instrumental in the recovery of Galicia’s once dominant red varieties. Small lot productions of Espadeiro, Caiño Tinto and Loureiro Tinto rank amongst Galicia’s finest, and have developed their own cult followings.
Pomares farms Rias Baixas’ oldest documented Albariño vineyard. The pre-phylloxera El Palomar was planted in 1850, and the estate holds ancient Loureiro Tinto and Caiño Tinto vines as well.
We are excited to introduce these wines to Ontario, and share the traditions of Galicia with you, though Zarate’s thoughtful lens. All Zarate wines are produced from their estate vineyards in the Val do Salnés sub-appellation in Rías Baixas.
WHITE:
Zárate Albariño 2017, $24.95 (12/cs) – 92 Wine Advocate
Zárate Albariño El Palomar 2017, $45.95 (6/cs) – 95+ Wine Advocate
Zárate Albariño Balado 2017, $45.95 (6/cs) – 94 Wine Advocate
RED:
Zárate Caiño Tinto 2017, $49.95 (6/cs) – 94+ Wine Advocate
Zárate Espadeiro Tinto 2017, $49.95 (6/cs) – 92 Wine Advocate
Eulogio has a second label called Fento Wines, crafted with purchased fruit, but made with the same care. Wines are sourced from the sub-appellations of Val do Salnés and Condato do Tea in Rias Baixas, as well as Ribeira Sacra. These wines offer tremendous value given the quality.
WHITE:
Fento Wines Bico da Ran Albariño Val do Salnés 2017, Rías Baixas, $20.95 (6/cs)
Fento Wines La Liebre y La Tortuga Albariño Condato do Tea 2017, Rías Baixas, $20.95 (6/cs)
Fento Wines Blanco “Plurivarietal” Condato do Tea 2017, Rías Baixas, $26.95 (6/cs)
RED:
Fento Wines Tinto 2017, Rías Baixas, $23.95 (6/cs)
Fento Wines Xabre 2016, Ribeira Sacra, $27.95 (6/cs)
All wines are in stock and ready for immediate delivery. Prices do not include HST, bottle deposit or delivery. Quantities are extremely limited.
Don’t miss out on these incredible wines.
Sincerely,
Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
bernard@lesommelier.com
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