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Abacela 2023 Abacela Albariño
You say Albariño, I say Alvarinho
Abacela began in 1995 with a question that would transform the lives of an ordinary, young family: Why doesn’t America make a world-class Tempranillo, the star of Spain’s famed Rioja wines?
It is a saga scripted by two trailblazing scientists who despite having zero winemaking experience left secure careers and trekked 2700 miles west with kids in tow. For the last 25 years, Earl and Hilda Jones have devoted their lives to rigorously testing their hypothesis that Roseburg, Oregon is a North American crossroads where an ideal climate and site intersect for Tempranillo.
The winery name stems from the word “Abacelar,” an archaic Latin-Spanish verb meaning “to plant a grape vine.” In Abacela’s case, it means much more. The Joneses have not only accomplished their initial Tempranillo dream but established 15 total grape varieties in their Fault Line Vineyards, creating a cornucopia of wines and critical acclaim for the Umpqua Valley.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Abacela, Roseburg, Oregon
2023 Abacela Albariño
"Alvarinho" and "Albariño" are simply different names for the same white wine grape variety, with "Albariño" being the Galician (Spanish) name and "Alvarinho" being the Portuguese name.
As of July 2019, Bordeaux wineries authorized the use of three new white grapes to combat effects of climate change on viticulture in Bordeaux, though only for those wines designated as Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérior. These newly approved grapes are Alvarinho, Petit Manseng, and Liliorila.
Albariño is a delicate Spanish white grape that grows well in Abacela's reknowned "Fault Line" estate vineyard. It produces an assertive, dry wine characterized by beautiful floral aromas and fruity flavors that finishes with refreshing acidity.
Vineyard: Abacela's Fault Line Vineyards
Winemaker: Andrew Wenzl, Winemaker
Appellation: Umpqua Valley
Harvest Date: 19, 22, 28 September 2023
Sugar: 21.1° Brix
Acid: 9.3 grams/liter
pH: 3.18
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Bottling Date: 20 February 2024
Residual Sugar: nil
Alcohol %: 12.5
Ratings
92 Points, Paul Gregutt, "Among Abacela's many pioneering achievements has been the introduction of this classic Spanish white wine to the Pacific Northwest. A spicy, peppery, vivacious wine, it deftly stacks bright fruit flavors of citrus, apple and white peach against crisply defined acids. There's also a light hint of ocean breeze salinity that suggests a perfect match (as in Spain) with lightly fried seafood."
93 Points & Gold Medal, 2024 Oregon Wine Awards
90 Points, James Suckling, "A solid, medium-bodied white with ripe and generous fruit character and a polished texture. It offers aromas of candied citrus fruit and peaches with dried flowers and a hint of orange peel. Round-textured and sleek on the palate. Drink now. Screw cap."
92 Points & Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast
90 Points, Vinous
A Cellar 503 selection in March 2025, Big on Bordeaux Umpqua Valley | Albariño
