Albariño Wine

Albariño is a white wine traditionally grown in the cool, windy climates of the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. It is a late-ripening varietal that produces a complex, crisp, fruit-forward white wine. Mouthwatering and refreshing with a medium body, this wine is somewhat a happy middle ground between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay!

Albariño grapes are tiny with thick skins – while this makes the wine harder to produce, it also develops a rich phenol content. These phenols, along with the wine’s high acidity, lend it an incredible aging potential. The grapes are sensitive to mildew and rot, so grow spectacularly in well-draining soils like the Gold Ridge sandy loam soil of the Rusty Gate farm where our Albariño is grown!

Rusty Gate Farm

Rusty Gate vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley AVA, near the rich Laguna de Santa Rosa in western Sonoma County, California. With just 2 acres of vines, Rusty Gate is one of only two Albariño growers in Sonoma County, and the only standalone grower in the Russian River Valley. These vines are sustainably grown alongside a heritage peach orchard, Gravenstein apple trees, citrus trees, and more. Planted in 2011 by Rich Auger and Mary Radu, the fruit was first offered to Claire’s husband Aron. He produced several vintages for Spottswoode winery before Claire was able to take it over. Claire has produced phenomenal wine from Rusty Gate’s Albariño grapes since 2017.

I have loved working with this outsider in the Russian River Valley from day one. It was bold and daring for Rich and Mary to plant Albariño, and I love that they trust me with their fruit. I knew that I would never be able to compete pricewise with Iberian Albariño, so I took a different approach than the traditional, simple, fresh Albariño - to create my own style of cuvee-like wine. Over the years I have refined my methodology, and I feel very strongly about our textured and vibrant style.

Tasting Notes & Pairing

Fresh apple on the nose, our 2023 Albariño is smooth and juicy in the palate. Stone fruit flavors - specifically peach and apricot; intermingle with hints of pears, ripe apples, and salted butter caramel. The wine is textured with a nice balance and tingly finish. 2023 was a cooler year therefore we had a delayed harvest, yet I have been pleased with the results and believe the 2023 is one of the best vintage so far.

Albariño pairs best with seafood, its light body and slight salinity accenting white fish, oysters, spicy food, and ceviche. As for cheese, salty feta or Manchego complement the zesty, fruity Albariño, while sumptuous burrata play the lighter notes alongside Albariño’s fresh melody.

Ratings

94 – Anne Sewell, DipWSET
"Picayune Cellars 2023 Albariño opens with aromas of white blossoms, acacia, grapefruit, lime zest, guava, and a wet stone minerality. On the palate, the wine has bright fruit flavors of citrus, nectarine, guava, melon, and a classic oceanic salinity. This wine's light body does not lack any depth of flavor, and its crisp acidity creates a zippy, energetic mouthfeel."

94 - Roger Jones, Decanter
"This wine [Picayune Cellars 2021 Albariño] shows real personality. Complex on the first taste, its dripping in luxurious white stone fruit and a fresh and clean acidity. Drink 2023-2029"

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