Mar de Frades champions Atlantic terroir in its Albariño
As Albariño continues to soar in popularity, Mar de Frades leads from the front, including in its focus on single-vineyard Rías Baixas wines.
Mar de Frades is spearheading the current Albariño revolution, but the winery is no fad operator, having been producing wines from the Albariño grape in Rías Baixas since 1987. Over the decades it has amassed a tranche of valuable expertise, becoming a global benchmark for the variety, and is responsible for the top-selling Spanish white wine in its price category.
Yet, as well as Mar de Frades’ skilful winemaking, there is another influence to thank for its distinctive wines. The Atlantic Ocean is the heart and soul of the brand, and connected to every part of its journey. Mar de Frades’ close proximity to the ocean imparts an irresistible hint of salinity to the vines, carried on salt-sprayed breezes, and gives the wines their renowned fresh and vibrant character.
Partner Content
“Here, on the ocean’s edge, Albariño develops a remarkably complex profile – combining floral and tropical aromas with freshness, depth and a rounded texture that reflects its maritime origins,” says Mar de Frades winemaker Paula Fandiño.
The producer is laser-focused on its single-vineyard wines and “deepening our understanding of the unique microclimates within each vineyard – how they influence the vines and how these, in turn, interpret the nuances of the soil,” adds Fandiño. This approach allows Mar de Frades to capture the truest expression of its Galician terroir and to define the future style of its wines.
These include Finca Valiñas, an Albariño made for ageing, and Brut Nature, Spain’s first 100% Albariño sparkling.
