Valdamor Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain

When it comes to seafood, you have to stop and think a little while: "Which would be the optimum wine for that?" Of course the best reply comes from Galicia, on the north Atlantic coast of Spain! Albarino is a green skinned grape variety native to Galicia. It is also popular in the Vinho Verde region of Northern Portugal where it is called: Alvarinho. This is an aromatic variety but high in acidity. Though I have a delicate stomach, I can't live without a good albarino!

This Valdomar costs around 12 Euros a bottle. I've tasted the 2010 vintage. I think the 2011 or 2012 vintages are not so good but anyhow, a good opportunity to get to know about the albarino.

Score: 83.

The Wine-Searcher score of 83/100 is based on the following wine critic score:

Critic	Score
Guia Penin	89/100

Awards

Award Organization	Award Year	Result
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles	2011	Silver
Decanter World Wine Awards	2011	Commended
International Wine Challenge	2011	Bronze

Wunsch & Mann  Grand Cru Steingrubler Pinot Gris 2008

During my stay in Alsace, the last week of March 2013, I've had the opportunity of tasting many local varieties of white wines. This has been one of my favorites. Though it didn't manage to get a good score (81) from  "Wine Enthusiast", I quiete liked it... When I'm in Northern Italy, I always like to drink Pinot Grigio, so there in Alsace, I was glad to try Pinot Gris  as well... Alsatian wines are not so cheap. The medium price for any bottle ranges between 15-25 Euros...

Alsace grand cru LOUIS SCHERB ET FILS Gewurztraminer 2007

• Alsace grand cru LOUIS SCHERB ET FILS Gewurztraminer 2007

• Sweet but nice taste! I've really enjoyed our stay in Alsace with my Spanish friend. Entering from the open doors of the small wineries in small towns, tasting exceptional white wines! Walking through the vineyards and enjoying over and over again the wine served in their typical green stemmed small glasses, specific to Rhine area...
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• Gewürztraminer is a white wine grape variety which performs best in cooler climates. It has high natural sugar, that's why you have to know what you are buying :)))

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2004 O. Fournier Alfa Crux Blend, Uco Valley, Argentina

This has been one of the most exceptional wines that I've ever drank in my life! I think till now, the best that I've tasted from Argentina. It was my ultra special selection for my 35th birthday and it has a story as well: I've asked my friend and colleague Valeria, who lives and works in Buenos Aires to search for the bottle for me. I think she searched for over two days and finally when she accomplished the mission, she was as happy as me :)) Then the bottle traveled all the way to Brasil first, then to Turkey and then to Baden Baden, Germany, to be swallowed gently and heavenly by two wine enthusiasts!

The indicative blend is Tempranillo %50, Malbec %30 and Merlot %20. It has a mature and elegant structure, something of an exclusive class. 14,5 degree of alcohol. I've paid around 70USD and would never hesitate to pay that amount again!

Score: 92. 

The Wine-Searcher score of 92/100 is calculated from the following wine critic scores:

Critic	Score	When to drink
Wine Enthusiast	93/100
Wine Spectator	92/100
Guia Penin	91/100
CellarTracker	90/100 (23 notes from 19 users )
Decanter	18/20	2008 to 2010

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Awards

Award Organization	Award Year	Result
Decanter World Wine Awards	2011	Commended