Santiago Ruiz Ras Baixas O Rosal 2022

The O Rosal sub-region is the most southerly in Ras Baixas, sited along the Portuguese frontier in the basin of the river Mio and extending from the Atlantic coast inwards towards the town of Tui. The vineyards are planted on terraces on the banks of the river on alluvial soils. Spread across the exposed sunny slopes of Tomio and mimicking the traditional blend of an O Rosal wine, Santiago Ruizs vines are devoted to guyot-pruned plantings of Albario, Loureiro, Cao Blanco, Treixadura and Godello (in decreasing order).

A wine labelled with the sub-regional designation of O Rosal must contain Loureiro, and here (where the component hovers around 10%) the controlled yields of the variety bring ripe citric drive and notes of blossom to the blend. With an unusually high percentage of Albario this year, the 2021 weighs in at 76% Albario, 11% Loureiro and 5% Treixadura, with the balance Cao Blanco and Godello. Each variety was individually fermented and raised for six months on lees in stainless steel before blending and bottling.

To put it plainly, this is a lovely, invigorating Spanish white. Fresh lime citrus combines with slightly more tropical notes than the 2020, all fringed with salty lemons. Driving acidity, rocky grip and mineral drive are balanced by a supple mouthfeel and a long-lasting close. The drinking in the sunshine vibe is strong here – another cracking release.