Contributed by Rick Fisher from
Bodega: Adventures in Spanish Food & Wine

This summer was one of the mildest on record in San Diego. Does this mean I relaxed my enjoyment of blancos and rosados? Not hardly. Actually, it was just the opposite. I have enjoyed some of the best wines of the past couple of years over the past few months. Among one of my all-time favorites was the 2009 Palacio de Fefiñanes. Having tasted quite a significant number of Albariños over the years but must admit that this wine has ranked amongst my all-time top two.

Owned by Spanish wine demi-God, Juan Gil, Bodega Palacio de Fefiñanes was founded in 1904 and became firmly established as a leading producer with the bottling and labeling of its first Palacio de Fefiñanes, (registered as a trademark in 1928). Incidentally, the bodega was the first producer to bottle wine under the D.O. Rias Baixas. Juan Gil notes, “Our wines speak clearly of their landscape, their soil, with the fullness of a singular variety: the Albariño grape, as powerful and evocative as it is scarce.”

The 2009 Palacio de Fefiñanes is a truly incredible wine. Light gold in color with beautifully full and rich aromas of fresh stone fruits, particularly peaches, apricots, and nectarines. Additionally, notes of apples and honey exude from the glass. On the palate similar fruits pass elegantly over the tongue with abounding freshness and minerality. A long and persistent finish – with a slight bitterness on the back of the tongue – complete the experience. Repeat again and again. I was extremely impressed with this wine and was sorry that I only had one to enjoy. By the by, I enjoyed this wine with padrón peppers and heirloom tomatoes.

This is clearly the best white wine I enjoyed this summer. It is definitely worth seeking out and enjoying alone or with friends. Seafood, roasted vegetables, and pasta are all worthy fare for this wine. Seek this wine out, and go one better than me – buy at least two bottles! (9.0/10.0)

Life is short. Drink Spanish wine!

Rick Fisher is an independent Spanish wine & food journalist for "CataVino", author and publisher of the blog "Bodega: Adventures in Spanish Food & Wine" and also a blog contributor on VinVillage.com.