Bodegas Martín Códax Burgáns Albariño 2009

Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
$25-30  +226795  available at BC Liquor Stores and select private liquor stores
www.martincodax.com

Rías Baixas (ree-ahs-buy-shuss) is located in the Galicia region of northwest Spain, the most important Denomination of Origin (DO) in that area. The verdant area, likened to a vision of the Garden of Eden, is characterized by rίas – deep, wide inlets of water stretching miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean.  The DO’s main claim to acclaim is the white Albariño (al-ba-ree-nyo) grape, and although there are 12 grape varieties permitted in the DO, Albariño represents upwards of 90% of the plantings.

Want to see what all the Baixas buzz is about? Burgáns is an excellent example of this juicy fruit grape. In fact, Miguel Torres believes that the Albariño grape is related to one of the most noble of grapes – Riesling. Bodegas Martín Códax is a sizeable and modern cooperative of 285 members, and their Burgáns is shrewdly crafted with the North American market in mind. This wine is screwcap fresh, bright lemon in hue with flashes of green. Fruity orchard flavours of pear, white peach, red apple and nectarine swirl in the glass with a smoky-stone, herbal citrus note on the finish. Crisp, lively and dry, in lovely balance with the wine’s creamy and honeyed mouthfeel. Burgáns makes for a delightful sipper with white fish – hello halibut season!

*More than half of the winemakers in Rías Baixas are women. You go gals!

Since the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival starts next week, and Spain is the theme region, DRINK will be profiling exclusively Spanish wines leading up to the main event. Watch for tweets, postings, photos, tasting notes and features posted from the week-long festival. There are still a few tickets available to select events.

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Bodegas Martín Códax Burgáns Albariño 2009

This wine is screwcap fresh, bright lemon in hue with flashes of green. Fruity orchard flavours of pear, white peach, red apple and nectarine swirl in the glass with a smoky-stone, herbal citrus note on the finish. Crisp, lively and dry, in lovely balance with the wine’s creamy and honeyed mouthfeel. Burgáns makes for a delightful sipper with white fish – hello halibut season!