The wines of Albet i Noya, Penedes, Spain

The wines of Albet i Noya, Penedès, Spain

Albet i Noya is one of Spain’s pioneering organic estates – it has been certified since 1995. They are based in Penedès, in the north east of the country, home to Cava production and also giant producer Torres. I tasted a selection from the large range courtesy of organic wine specialists Vintage Roots who stock these wines (prices given in brackets). Overall impressions were favourable, with the premium reds being the strongest wines, although they are not for wimps with their concentrated, tannic, spicy flavours.

Contact details:
Vintage Roots, Bridge Farm, Arborfield, Berkshire RG2 9HT
Tel: 0118 976 1999
Website: www.vintageroots.co.uk
E-mail: info@vintageroots.co.uk

Albet i Noya Can Vendrell Chardonnay Xarello 2002
This crisp white is rounded, fruity and fresh. Good/very good 79/100 (£4.55)

Albet i Noya Xarello Classic 2002
This is a richly flavoured fresh white, showing clean crisp flavours and a touch of herby complexity to the fruit. Very good+ 85/100 (£5.25)

Albet i Noya Lignum Blanc 2001
Barrel-fermented Chardonnay blended with stainless steel-fermented Sauvignon. Very sweet oaky nose with lots of vanilla character. Lovely palate is nutty and rich, but with lots of oak. Tasty but oaky. Very good+ 88/100 (£6.25)

Albet i Noya Tempranillo Classic 2001
Slightly eggy edge to the vivid, juicy fruited nose. Bright, chewy berry fruit on the palate – savoury and quite intense. Very good+ 85/100 (£5.75)

Albet i Noya Lignum Negre 2001
Vanilla edge to the red berry fruits. Quite oaky on the palate. Very good 82

Albet i Noya Tempranillo Collecio 1999
From the Clot d’Espardenyer vineyard. This is an intense, savoury spicy wine with vivid fruit. Very striking. Very good+ 88/100 (£10.99)

Albet i Noya Núria 2000
A blend of 90% Merlot with Petite Syrah and Caladoc. Very intense and savoury with vivid fruit. Huge concentration and firm tannins. A beast. Very good/excellent 91/100 (£12.75)

Albet i Noya Syrah Collecion 2000
From the Can Simon vineyard. Deep coloured. Taut nose. Bold, intense spicy palate is fruity with mouth-drying tannins. Very good/excellent 90/100 (£11.99)

Albet i Noya Reserva Marti 1997
The flagship wine, released with some bottle age. Open, evolved herby nose with perfumed spicy fruit. Herby palate with spicy, drying tannins. Another bold wine. Very good+ 88/100 (£14.99)

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