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Etxea
Varietal: Albarino
Albarino grapes have been cultivated and processed in Spain and Portugal for centuries, and have played a key role in developing the white wine cultures of these two countries. Today, they are grown in several locations around the world, in regions where plenty of heat and humidity help them reach full ripeness. Such climatic condition allow the grapes to strongly express their unique flavors and their strong characteristics in the wines which they produce, and which are greatly enjoyed by those looking for a white wine offering something a little different. Most commonly, Albarino grapes produce wines which are very aromatic, pale in color and full of soft fruit flavors, including peach and apricot. They are renowned for their high acidity, which couples nicely with a light body and some residual bitterness coming from the grapes' thick skins and plentiful pips.
Region: California
California has long been the New World's most important and prodigious wine producing regions, with a history which stretches back to the 18th century and the Spanish pioneers who settled here. Today, California produces vast quantities of wine, and if it were a country, it would be the fourth largest producer of wine on earth. Despite experiencing many problems in the mid 20th century, including a very serious blight which almost crippled the state's wine industry, the ideal terroir and excellent climate ensured that Californian wines soon became the envy of the New World once again. California produces a vast range of wines, and utilizes a long list of fine grape varietals, with many wineries and their produce more closely resembling those of France and other Old World countries in regards to character, practices and flavors
Country: United States
Whilst there are several strains of native grape varietals in the United States, it was the introduction of the European species which prompted the country to begin producing wines on a large scale. Over the past few centuries, experimentation and cross-breeding has produced great successes in regards to the quality and suitability of the fruit grown in states such as California, Oregon, Washington and New York, and the past few decades have seen New World wines from the United States reach much higher standards. Arguably the finest United States wines have always come out of California, where the climate and terrroir is most suitable for fine wine production. The masterful blending of classic grape varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, amongst others including Syrah and Chardonnay, have had world beating results in recent years, prompting many to suggest that there has never been a better time for buying and drinking United States wines.