100% Albariño, Dominio O’Secreto, 2022, Condado do Tea (Rías Baixas), Spain

Dominio O’Secreto is a micro-production Albariño from a small, family-run Rioja winery that fell in love with Galicia. Mario and Belén discovered the Condado do Tea subzone during a summer trip and were inspired by its granite slopes, Atlantic energy, and potential for long-lived white wines. This project reflects their philosophy: respectful viticulture, minimal intervention, and a focus on expressing the soul of the vineyard.

From a steep, south-facing 1-hectare plot planted with 35- and 13-year-old vines, the grapes are hand-harvested and selected for structure and ripeness. Fermentation takes place at 18°C in stainless steel, followed by 12 months on fine lees for texture and complexity. After bottling, the wine rests for an additional 12 months before release, clarified naturally by gravity.

2022 vintage insight:

A stark contrast to the cooler 2021, the 2022 vintage was warm and dry, defined by early budbreak and an accelerated ripening season. Meticulous canopy management and timing were essential to preserve balance. Yields were lower, concentrating the fruit and pushing the wine to a generous 14.1% alcohol. The result is a deeper, broader expression of Albariño — less aromatic explosiveness than 2021 but with more maturity, texture, and length. It combines ripeness, precision, and a mineral Atlantic backbone, offering a unique profile never seen before in this wine.

Tasting note:

• Appearance: Bright yellow with golden hues and more intensity than the 2021.
• Nose: Ripe stone fruit, grapefruit, light tropical touches, and white flowers. With bottle age, subtle dried herbs and mature notes evolve — a surprising new dimension for this wine.
• Palate: Mouth-filling and structured, with ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and a long, saline, mineral finish. Elegant and powerful, reflecting both the warmth of the vintage and the surgical viticulture that preserved its harmony.

Food pairing:

Ideal with shellfish, grilled fish, octopus, ceviche, lightly spiced Asian cuisine, or young cheeses. Its richness and structure also pair beautifully with more savory, textured dishes.

Production: ~4,000 bottles per year.