Borne on the Atlantic winds and rooted in the granite soils of Galicia, the 2023 La Caña Albariño is a masterclass in coastal elegance. Sourced from old vines—some planted as early as 1975—in the Salnés Valley of Rías Baixas, this is a wine shaped by its rugged maritime environment and guided by a deep respect for tradition. Hand-tended, dry-farmed, and pergola-trained, the fruit is vinified under the meticulous eye of Jorge Ordóñez, the pioneer who introduced Albariño to the world stage. With its native yeast fermentations and extended lees aging, La Caña is not a formulaic white—it’s a soulful expression of place and purpose.
Product Details:
- Grape Variety: 100% Albariño
- Region: Rías Baixas (Valley of Salnés), Spain
- ABV: 13%
- Vine Age: Planted 1975–2001
- Farming: Dry-farmed, pergola-trained, practicing organic
- Harvesting: Hand-harvested and hand-sorted
- Fermentation: 25% in 500–600L neutral French oak; 75% in stainless steel
- Aging: 4.5 months sur lie with bi-weekly bâtonnage
- Fining/Filtering: Unfined and lightly filtered
Sensory Description:
A gleaming pale straw hue with silvery edges, the 2023 La Caña greets the nose with layered aromas of lime blossom, mint, crushed oyster shell, and cool coastal breezes. The palate is taut and structured, echoing granite and Atlantic salinity with vibrant flavors of Meyer lemon, green apple, and lemon verbena. A gentle creaminess from the lees aging adds texture without weight, and the finish sails on with chalky minerality and refreshing acidity. This is Albariño with pedigree and precision—an elevated take on a beloved coastal classic.
Awards & Accolades:
- 92 Points – James Suckling (2023 vintage)
- 91 Points – Jeb Dunnuck (2023 vintage)
- 91 Points – Wine Spectator (2022 vintage)
- Bacchus de Oro – Concurso Internacional de Vinos Bacchus (2016 vintage, awarded 2017)
-
Bronze – TEXSOM International Wine Awards (2010 vintage, awarded 2012)
Winemaker's Background:
Founded in 2007, Bodegas La Caña is the vision of Jorge Ordóñez, the first to export Albariño and elevate its global reputation. Inspired by the backyard vineyards of Rías Baixas and the grape’s untapped potential, Ordóñez sought to preserve its heritage through traditional viticulture, dry farming, and minimal intervention. His dedication to authentic winemaking, combined with a network of old-vine growers, has made La Caña a benchmark for terroir-driven Albariño.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve well-chilled at 45–50°F to accentuate the wine’s stony tension and delicate aromatics. While no decanting is needed, letting it breathe in the glass reveals deeper layers of stone fruit and marine complexity. Perfect with grilled octopus, oysters on the half shell, or piquillo peppers stuffed with Manchego. For a relaxed pairing, try it with fish tacos, lemony arugula salads, or herbed goat cheese. The 2023 La Caña Albariño is a coastal white built for both contemplation and conviviality.
