Wine of the week: Adega Marea Alta Do Zoe 2020

This Spanish albarino does everything albarino should, and at a more than fair price

Spain delivers value on almost everything but albarino, a white wine made in the Rias Baixas region in the country’s northwest. Most quality albarinos cost upwards of $20, and I’ve tasted some at $15 and $18 that lack many of the qualities that make albarino so distinctive and so enjoyable.

So when I stumbled on the Do Zoe ($12, purchased, 12.5%), I knew something special was going on. It wasn’t overpriced. It tasted like albarino, and it hadn’t bee manipulated to make it more sauvignon blanc-like (a common occurrence around $15).

The Do Zoe is spot on albarino — savory, almost salty, with lemon fruit and a sort of mineral finish, as well as a sort of flowery aroma. It’s the kind of wine that reminds me why I appreciate the grape so much.

Why only $12? Probably because it’s blended – 90 percent albarino, plus four other little k known Spanish grapes that fill the wine out and give it a little more body.

Highly recommended, and a candidate for the Hall of Fame next year. Drink this on its own, as well as with grilled shrimp or similar sorts of grilled or fried seafood.

Imported by Monsieur Touton Selections