Wines Rías Baixas Adega Pombal - Mytilus - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Adega Pombal’s Cuvée Mytilus 2023 from the renowned Rías Baixas DO in Galicia is a white wine that epitomises the region’s maritime elegance. Crafted predominantly from Albariño, the signature grape of Rías Baixas, this wine is a showcase of freshness and purity. The 2023 vintage benefitted from a temperate growing season with balanced rainfall and mild temperatures, ensuring optimal grape ripeness and vibrant acidity. The terroir features granite-based soils with excellent drainage, imparting a mineral edge to the wine. Vinification typically involves stainless steel tanks to preserve the grape’s aromatic profile, maintaining pristine fruit and delivering a lively, crisp palate.

The Rías Baixas appellation in north-western Spain sits close to the Atlantic coast, heavily influenced by ocean breezes which moderate summer heat and contribute to humidity. This cool, damp climate is ideal for cultivating Albariño, allowing the grape to develop pronounced aromatics and a precise, zesty structure. The region’s viticultural history is rooted in centuries-old traditions, with small-scale family vineyards and a focus on quality over quantity. The granite soils, combined with the unique microclimate, give wines from this DO their characteristic saline undertone and vibrant acidity, making them highly distinctive amongst Spanish whites.

Given the wine’s bright citrus and stone fruit notes, bracing acidity, and subtle saline finish, it pairs exquisitely with a variety of dishes. The classic match would be fresh seafood – think Galician-style octopus (pulpo a la gallega), steamed mussels, or clams in Albariño sauce. Equally, it elevates sushi, oysters, or lightly grilled white fish. For a more rustic experience, try it alongside traditional Spanish tapas like empanadas de marisco or a simple tortilla Española, where the wine’s freshness cuts through richness.

Serve this Albariño well chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C. Enjoy it in a tulip-shaped white wine glass to appreciate its delightful aromatics, and savour the wine’s youthful vivacity within the next two to three years for maximum expression of fruit and elegance.