Better Than Eva

My experience with California-raised Spanish & Italian varietals has been an exercise in frustration.  For example, I find a Sangiovese from the Golden State, which made me say, "Yes, this is the perfect varietal for California."  Only later do I find out that the winery had yanked all the Sangio vines out because they weren't named Merlot, Cabernet or Zinfandel.

a few months ago I saw a bottle of, all things, Albariño from California's Santa Ynez Valley.  I picked it up but refrained from opening it.  I was convinced it would either be a sorry facsimile of this super-zesty, lime-packed grape; or I worried that I would fall in love with it, only to find out that these Galician immigrant vines had been yanked out in favor of Chardonnayaaawwwwnn.

Guess what?

This is one high-fidelity Albariño.  Seek it out.  Write the winery, plead with them not to yank it out.  Tell your friends.  Send smoke signals.  Host a Cali-Albariño party.

The Skinny
Longoria Albariño Clover Creek Vineyard 2005 ($20-ish) - For those of you who prefer your Longoria Eva-like, pass this one by.  In lieu of luscious, soft curves, this Longoria takes its style cues from the Spanish original.  Longoria's Albariño is a pale, yellow-gold wine with scents of fresh lime, just-ripe pear and alfalfa (O'tay!).  In the mouth, your palate will be mystified as this wine packs a zippy wallop accompanied by citrus-squirt flavor.  Give it a go with fresh seafood, or pair it with a butter/cream-packed recipe like Spicy Oven Fried Chicken.

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You can have Eva, I'll take "Al Longoria."

Comments

[Victoria]

Glad to hear that someone else has discovered this great wine and winery. If you get a chance try their Cabernet Franc, Blues Cuvee. Something different and not to shabby. And their Pinot Noirs are fantastic, especially the Mt. Carmel and the Fe Ciega.
By the way. I did not see my blog in your exiensive list. I would love to have it added.
Cheers!
www.tastesoflife.blogspot.com

[jeff]

Couldn't I have my Longoria and drink it too?

There's at least one winery that intends to stay true to the Iberians for the long haul (guess :) If you ever find me ripping out Tempranillo to plany Merlot, just put me to death right there.

[Sara, The Wine Makers Wife]

Really enjoying your blog, I'm heading to Spain in 3 weeks for some much needed R&R, can you recommend some varitelas or wineries to look for when shopping?

[beau]

Jeff - I suppose that would be the ultimate Longorian experience.

And I will most definitely club you with a sheet of lasagna should you rip out the lovely TO Tempranillo.

Sara - Seek out Telmo Rogriguez; Muscat along the Catalunyan coast and don't forget the funky wines of Basque country!

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