Perhaps more than we think. An obvious case is this albariño wine, as proud as punch. It certainly doesn’t lack self-esteem, but it is backed up by the work of the winemakers of Viña Almirante; cartographers of emotions who explore and take daily care of their vineyards to harvest the best grapes possible. And they manage it. Perhaps this is why it’s vain, because deep down it knows it’s very good.
Very tasty, very good, wonderful. This is Vanidade, a wine of which we are particularly proud. Both because its organoleptic properties and tasting ratings, and because it’s a champion of cultural change in our time.
In the year 2000 a group of wine growers dreamed up what is today Viña Almirante, a winery made up of 80 partners and families who live by and for wine. We were inspired by the historic past of Portas (Galicia / Spain) and the legacy of geographer Domingo Fontán, an illustrious local figure who helped us to realise that on the basis of emotional cartography we could make outrageously personal wines.
When going out into the world was not a priority, we made it one. Today we have a presence in more than 20 countries. It excites us to think that at any time, somewhere in the world, our wines are a part of someone’s life. Nothing motivates us more.
On the basis of exploration we have understood our region and our vines. We have always believed in the distinctiveness of our terroir, in nature and in the meaning of hard work.
Every day in the vineyard is an opportunity to try to improve the next harvest.
We’re in A Peroxa (Portas), in the Umia valley, beside the river Chaín. A place with its very own geographical and meteorological conditions, which largely determine the character of our vineyards. We also have a small percentage of vines in the heart of the Val do Salnés, giving us lots of possibilities to work with to make highly personal wines.
We don’t have a magic formula like that brand you’re thinking of, just hard work, exploration, analysis and confidence in the 45 hectares of vineyards we have dotted about the whole area. Every year is an adventure, a challenge packed with uncertainty, effort and one sure thing: that no two harvests are the same, and that inspires us.
Portas is synonymous with history, origins and culture. That of Galicia, and that of our local ancestors. History tells that in the 12th century king Ferdinand II of León gave the Cistercian monks the first plantation of albariño grapevines on record, the Paradisus estate in Santa María de Portas.
In the bronze age the land we work today was the home of the Gallaecian Cileni, and much later it was the home of different lineages of illustrious figures. Traits of its identity that remain alive in the form of stone, monuments and memories. We appreciate our present while admiring our past.
Straw yellow in colour with bright, greenish glints. A complex nose with ripe fruit aromas but also vanilla, lavender and lemon verbena. Crisp start, distinguished by its great broadness and fluidity. Keeps up a fragrant sensation, making this a highly seductive wine.
a coupage of musts obtained by direct drawing off, balanced by grapes subjected to a process of cryomaceration. This method adds sumptuousness in the mouth and a notable aromatic complexity. Good balance of acidity and the natural persistence of the albariño grape. Destemming, partial cryomaceration, pneumatic pressing, static racking by cold decanting. Fermentation in stainless steel vats at 17ºC.
Country | Spain |
Region | Rias Baixas |
Grapes | Albarino |
ABV | 13.0% |
Suitable for Vegans | No |
Organic | No |
Standard Delivery
Mainland UK Orders over £150 | FREE |
Mainland UK Orders under £150 | £7.95 |
Scottish Highlands and Isle of Wight | £14.95 |
Scottish Islands | £19.95 |
Isle of Man and Isles of Scilly | £19.95 |
Northern Ireland | £19.95 |
Channel Islands | £24.95 |
Saturday Delivery
Mainland UK Orders over £150 | £6.95 |
Mainland UK Orders under £150 | £14.95 |
Store Pickup
Collect in store usually same/next day | FREE |