2021 Gran Vino Pazo Barrantes – Pazo de Barrantes.
Recently we reviewed some of the latest released vintages of the Marques de Murrieta wines, reds that belong to some of the most iconic wines in Spain’s Rioja region and the whole of Spain. But what you might not know is the fact that there is a strong connection between this winery in Rioja and another winery, producing white wines in Galicia.
Pazo de Barrantes, as part of Marques de Murrieta Estates and Wines, is actually the origin of this family business and an historical part of its identity. While Rioja is synonymous with Spain’s red wine prestige, Galicia quietly champions its white wine legacy with Albariño, a varietal steeped in history and regional pride. Pazo de Barrantes, rooted in the legacy of Marques de Murrieta, bridges these two worlds.
In this review we are discussing an outstanding Albariño wine by this producer, the 2021 Gran Vino Pazo Barrantes, and dive deeper into the connection between the two.
But before diving into this exceptional Albariño, don’t miss our in-depth review of Marques de Murrieta’s legendary Rioja Reserva and Gran Reserva, if you haven’t done so yet!
About the Winery
Pazo de Barrantes embodies a singular vision: to capture the uniqueness and ultimate expression of Albariño, the iconic grape of its region.
This historic Galician estate traces its origins back to the early 16th century. Its traditional stone manor house stands as a monument to Galicia’s rich cultural and historical heritage, bearing witness to the region’s most significant moments. For centuries, the estate has been intertwined with the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, whose deep legacy is rooted in the land and its wines.
In 1991, Vicente Cebrián-Sagarriga, the X Count of Creixell, made a transformative decision by building a winery adjacent to the manor house. Inspired by the winemaking philosophy of Marqués de Murrieta, the family’s legendary Rioja estate, he envisioned producing estate wines that reflect the distinct character and personality of the Salnés Valley terroir. This commitment to crafting exceptional wines remains central to Pazo de Barrantes’ identity.
With centuries of winemaking heritage, Pazo de Barrantes represents the perfect harmony of tradition and innovation. Guided by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family and their dedicated team, the estate is driven by an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Every bottle reflects the family’s philosophy: a blend of passion, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail that ensures the Albariño grape achieves its fullest expression.
This dedication has established Pazo de Barrantes as a benchmark for Albariño wines, celebrated for their authenticity, elegance, and deep connection to their historic terroir.
About the Vineyards and Winemaking
Located in the heart of the Salnés Valley, the birthplace of Albariño, Pazo de Barrantes is surrounded by 12 hectares of meticulously maintained vineyards. This prime location in the D.O. Rías Baixas is renowned for its granitic soils and temperate Atlantic microclimate, creating ideal conditions for cultivating the Albariño grape.
The estate’s terroir—a harmonious blend of unique soil composition, climate, and elevation—sets it apart. Combined with the family’s dedication to sustainable practices, this environment produces grapes of exceptional quality. Year after year, these vines yield fruit that captures the essence of the Salnés Valley, resulting in wines of remarkable elegance and depth.
At Pazo de Barrantes, winemaking is both an art and a science. Every step, from vine to bottle, is focused on preserving the Albariño grape’s authenticity and character. The winery employs a meticulous approach to vinification, including controlled fermentation and precise aging techniques, to ensure that each wine achieves its fullest potential. The result is Albariño wines with distinct personalities, rich aromatic profiles, and outstanding aging potential.
The winery seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. From the historic stone manor house dating back to the 16th century to the modern viticulture practices and cutting-edge winery established in 1991, Pazo de Barrantes exemplifies a commitment to progress while honoring its heritage.
Today, the estate’s flagship Albariño is celebrated as a benchmark in the Rías Baixas region, admired for its elegance, complexity, and deep connection to its terroir. With generations of expertise and a profound respect for the land, Pazo de Barrantes continues to captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide by crafting wines of unparalleled quality and character.
About the Wine
The 2021 Gran Vino Albariño from Pazo de Barrantes represents the third vintage of this new cuvée, and it firmly establishes itself as a pinnacle expression of Albariño. Crafted from 12 hectares of estate vineyards in the Salnés Valley—divided into eight unique plots—this wine is a masterclass in terroir-driven winemaking and meticulous craftsmanship.
The 2021 growing season was marked by cooler, wetter conditions, which extended the ripening period and resulted in grapes of exceptional balance and acidity. These conditions, coupled with the estate’s 40-year-old vines, produced fruit of unparalleled concentration and character.
The craftsmanship behind the 2021 Gran Vino Albariño is impressive. Following a meticulous manual harvest, the grapes underwent gentle pressing and clarification by flotation to preserve aromatic purity. The wine was fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, then aged for six months—partly on fine lees in stainless steel and partly in acacia barrels. An extended aging period in bottle (20 months) has allowed the wine to develop further complexity and integrate its components seamlessly.
The 2021 Gran Vino Albariño captures the essence of the Salnés Valley and exemplifies the innovative yet traditional spirit of Pazo de Barrantes. It is a wine of elegance, complexity, and finesse, revealing Albariño’s potential for both immediate pleasure and long-term aging.
Tasting note:
The wine presents a pale golden hue with a subtle green shimmer, hinting at its vibrancy and elegance. The aromatics are layered and refined, with an enticing bouquet of nectarine, yellow plum, and acacia blossom. These fruit-forward notes are complemented by subtle fennel and a delicate balsamic undertone, creating an enveloping and sophisticated aromatic profile.
On the palate, the 2021 vintage is both vibrant and expressive, showcasing the finesse of a cooler and more balanced year. Initial flavors of citrus zest and ripe orchard fruits transition seamlessly into a creamy mid-palate with hints of honeyed florals and a touch of almond. The influence of the granitic soils is evident in the wine’s mineral core, which anchors its fresh, Atlantic-driven profile. The use of acacia wood barrels—approximately 15% of the blend—adds a delicate textural nuance and an understated hint of spice.
The acidity is precise and electric, yet perfectly integrated, giving the wine a lively energy that leads to a broad, persistent finish. This is a wine of remarkable balance, where richness and freshness coexist in harmony.
Conclusion
The 2021 Gran Vino Albariño from Pazo Barrantes sets a gold standard for Albariño enthusiasts. Its vibrant freshness, layered texture, and profound expression of terroir set a new standard, offering an extraordinary wine that appeals equally to enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
This is a wine of dual allure: a delight to enjoy in its youth, with its lively energy and aromatic complexity, yet structured and deep enough to age gracefully over the years. Delivering such exceptional quality at a production scale exceeding 100,000 bottles is a remarkable achievement.
For this exemplary effort, the Gran Vino Albariño 2021 earns a 95-point DWA score, cementing its place among the finest expressions of Albariño.
This review is written by Niels Aarts. Pazo de Barrantes is imported in the Netherlands by Verbunt Verlinden and available through selected retail and hospitality partners.
Price: ~€45,00
Taste Date: November 2024
Score: 95/100 DWA Score
Website: Pazo De Barrantes