Thursday 13 December 2018

Barbazul Blanco Selección Especial 2015 12.5%, Huerta de Albalá

Appearance
Bright pale gold with golden highlights.
Nose
Fairly full and broad and quite soft, with hints of white flowers and herbs as well as hints of tropical fruits like banana, pineapple and mango. It is fresh yet has some depth, a light minerality and a gentle air of maturity, and it might mature happily for longer.
Palate
Despite the soft appearance, there is a reasonably racy acidity which highlights the fruity character, and as that subsides there is a soft chalky texture and a slightly more serious air, more feel. This wine could only come from albariza, and is an interesting alternative to Chardonnay from elsewhere.
Comments
The bodega Huerta de Albalá makes two white wines, both 100% Chardonnay, both Vinos de la Tierra de Cádiz and both from albariza soils in the pago Balbaina. The difference between them is that the standard Barbazul Blanco is simply made, stabilised and bottled to capture all its freshness, while the Selección Especial is aged on lees, presumable with a little battonage, which brings out a bit more depth, texture and complexity. Also the wine available is two years older than the standard Barbazul, consisting of extra time in tank on lees and a little bottle age. No wood is involved in either wine.
Price
11.75 euros, Licores Corredera

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