Everyone knows that oysters and champagne are a perfect match, but oysters and Albariño are where it’s at and they are such an outstanding combination that you must try it this bluff season!
Cru Heretaunga Albariño 2020, Hawke’s Bay
I was recently invited to attend the inaugural Smith & Sheth Oyster and Albariño event at their gorgeous urban cellar door and wine lounge in Havelock North. A lovely Sunday afternoon with the wines flowing, over 300 dozen oysters being freshly shucked before our eyes and live music that had everyone toe-tapping under their tables. I was treated to an amazing tasting of the CRU Chardonnays, the Howell, Mangatahi and Heretaunga, all from the 2018 vintage. A stunning lineup of distinctly different styles to suit every chardonnay-lover. This spot is a must-visit next time you’re in the Hawke’s Bay, the knowledgeable and attentive staff will guide you through a tasting of their amazing range of wines or order a glass and sit back and enjoy the beautiful interior or sunshine in the courtyard.
The grapes were hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed, then fermented using a combination of wild and inoculated yeast strains. The wine was aged in oak barrels for 10 months on lees to develop texture in the finished wine and bottled unfined. Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly.
The gorgeous aromas are a combination of apricot, peach, honeysuckle, orange blossom and a salty breeze, and I couldn’t wait to taste them. A rich and textural palate filled with stone fruit and citrus with a zing of intense, mouth-watering acidity adding structure and a lovely salty mineral note on the long, lingering finish. Amazing!
Rías Baixas DO in Spain is the spiritual home of Albariño (pronounced alba-reen-yo) where some vines are almost 300 years old. Portugal has the next largest planting which is not surprising as this variety loves sunshine but thrives in coastal breezes.
Albariño is planted all over the world, most notably California and Australia, but New Zealand is now producing some lovely examples too. Traditionally its weighty mid-palate and high acidity have made it a standout variety, but leaner, fresher versions can be found. Keep your eyes peeled at your local wine retailer for Sileni, Villa Maria, Coopers Creek, Babich, Neudorf and the delicious CRU Albarino and serve alongside anything from the sea; calamari, ceviche, crayfish or prawns, and oysters of course!
