We are proud to offer a new Albariño from Spain’s fantastic Rias Baixas appellation. Burgans, from Martin Codax, pushed this grape onto the international stage and now is the time to search for some of the smaller, hand-crafted producers from this region. Rodri Mendez, right-hand man of our friend and Parker fave Raul Perez, produces a miniscule 1,300 cases of Columna from the southernmost zone, Candado de Tea, located on the banks of the Miño River. Trellised in the ancient pergola system perfected by the Romans, the vines were planted in 1978 on granite and slate soils at a mere 130 feet above sea level. (Check the photo on the Olé Imports website). This NE region of Spain is quite cool, however, averaging 63˚F from April to October. Quite full in the mid-palate, this 100% unoaked Albariño displays snapppy citrus flavors and a fresh finish. At a reasonable 12.5% alcohol, that second glass - consumed with your favorite tapas – won’t feel half as guilty.