Bodegas Zárate
Located in the heart of Galicia, in the renowned Rías Baixas region, you will find the traditional Spanish winery Bodegas Zárate – a name synonymous with quality and pioneering spirit. What began in 1707 with Diego Zárate y Murga, the first Marquis of Montesacro, has now developed into one of the most important addresses for authentic Albariño.
The Zárate family has been cultivating and protecting its own vineyards for seven generations. That's more than 400 years of history and tradition, linked to a land that expresses itself through its wines. The winery's vineyards cover 6.54 hectares, spread over eleven plots in the municipalities of Sisán and Padrenda, in the Salnés Valley – an area considered to be the birthplace of Albariño. The barren, sun-drenched soils, combined with the Atlantic climate, create optimal conditions for this grape variety. Many of the ungrafted vines are over 100 years old, and thanks to their deep roots, they produce expressive wines. Zárate stands for natural, down-to-earth wines that perfectly reflect the characteristics of the region. The wines are never loud, but elegant and precise – Albariño in its purest form.
White wines from Bodegas Zárate
from Bodegas Zárate
Since 2000, Eulogio Pomares has been shaping the signature style of Zárate as its head winemaker. With his uncompromising focus on sustainability, minimal intervention and a deep respect for the terroir, he has led the winery to new heights. Chemical fertilisers and herbicides are taboo – instead, the winery relies on permanent cover cropping and a natural circular economy in the vineyard. At Bodegas Zárate, you can experience Albariño in its most authentic form – deeply rooted in history, driven by sustainable passion and shaped by a unique terroir. A winery that combines the past and the future in every bottle.
Producer
Château Raymond Lafon
Located in the heart of the Sauternes area, this winery comprises 18 hectares, 16 of which planted with 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. The maximum yield by law is 25 hectolitres per hectare. The yields at Raymond-Lafon average only 8 to 10 hectolitres per hectare; in other words, one vine will produce only one glass of delicious wine. Over several pickings, the grapes are harvested one by one according to their level of maturity. In some years, this can result in up to ten selected hand harvests. This alone lets one appreciate the great value of this wine.
Champagne André Clouet
We didn’t find the low house, dating from the 17th century, straight away, even though the village of Bouzy is not very large. Modest buildings are grouped around a courtyard, behind which a vineyard lies, similar to a clos.
Salzl
The Austrian winery Salzl Seewinkelhof is located in Illmitz, surrounded by the picturesque lakes and plains of the Neusiedlersee-Seewinkel National Park in Burgenland. A good hour’s drive from Vienna lies this family winery that also provides comfortable 4-star accommodation in an attached guesthouse with a pool.