Dandelion 2024

The Dandelion from the Nanclares y Prieto estate originates on the Atlantic coast of Galicia, in the heart of the Rías Baixas, primarily around the O Salnés peninsula. The Albariño vines are planted in poor, well-drained, sandy granite soils at a low altitude but close to the ocean, benefiting from a cool, humid climate tempered by sea breezes. This oceanic influence, combined with moderate yields and meticulous viticulture, promotes slow-ripening grapes characterized by a strong saline expression and vibrant natural acidity.

Sourced from Albariño vines cultivated using sustainable farming practices, this wine is made from hand-harvested grapes meticulously sorted in the vineyard. The grapes are gently pressed as whole bunches, and the must is then clarified by gravity before fermenting slowly with indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place on fine lees in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity, saline tension, and fruit precision, without the use of oak or heavy winemaking interventions.

This wine reveals notes of fresh citrus , stone fruit , and green apple , complemented by touches of white flowers , a saline minerality , and subtle herbaceous nuances. On the palate, the wine is taut and precise, driven by a lively yet balanced acidity, with a slightly glycerine-like texture that coats the palate and extends into a long, savory, and iodine-tinged finish, marked by a clean and refreshing aromatic persistence.

The history of wine in Spain is so ancient that no one really knows who first brought the vines to the region. By the time the Phoenicians arrived some 3,000 years ago and founded the present-day cities of Cádiz and Jerez, viticulture was already well established, and Spanish wines were widely traded throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa. You could say that Spain is a winemaking miracle. After years on the sidelines of the world of fine wines, it is now a major player. Investment and ambition in vineyards and wineries are resulting in increasingly rich, complex (often high in alcohol), and spicy reds that are gaining popularity with international consumers. Proud to have more land dedicated to vines than any other country, Spain is only now beginning to capitalize on this resource in a consistent way. Spain is a chaotic jumble of regions and subregions, much like its landscape is a chaotic jumble of incredibly rugged scenery. A glance at a map reveals the climatic diversity among Spain's many wine regions, from the lush, green vineyards of Galicia on the northern Atlantic coast to the parched vineyards of the southeastern Mediterranean. Spain's saving grace for viticulture is the average altitude of its vineyards, which is over 600 meters. Many Spanish vineyards are thus able to produce grapes with good color and acidity simply because nighttime temperatures are relatively low and the grapes don't ripen until after a sufficiently long growing season. But there is a real treasure trove to be found for those willing to dig, and now that a class of connoisseurs has developed in Spain, all sorts of ambitious investors have done their part to change the image of Spanish wine. Today, a new generation of winemakers has quietly begun to craft spectacular wines and experiment with grape varieties that would have been unthinkable not so long ago. Wine remains an important commodity and an integral part of Spanish culture.