Mar de Frades Albariño

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23 July 2026

This is the new 2025 vintage of the classic Mar de Frades Albariño, from the Valle del Salnés in Rías Baixas, Spain.

Mar de Frades was founded in 1987 by a Galician entrepreneur in the Val do Salnés, shortly before the Rías Baixas denomination was formally established. The name means “Sea of the Friars” in Galician, referring to an inlet around the mouth of the River Umia and the Ría de Arousa. Pilgrims or friars were traditionally said to have come ashore here before continuing their journey towards Santiago de Compostela.

The wine is made by Paula Fandiño, one of the region’s most innovative and influential winemakers, using 100% Albariño grapes. The fruit comes from 60 hectares of estate-owned vineyards in the Salnés Valley, alongside grapes supplied by an additional 200 small independent growers from the surrounding area. This is the winery’s flagship still wine, instantly recognisable in its distinctive cobalt-blue 75 cl bottle. It has an alcohol level of 12.5% ABV.

Pale lemon in colour, it brings together citrus, stone fruit and floral aromas. It tastes of zesty lemon and lime, followed by peach, mint and eucalyptus, with a fresh, salty edge. There is also a richness, thanks to six months resting in stainless steel tanks with lees stirring. It is dry, medium-bodied and high acidity. The finish is crisp, mouth-watering and saline. This is classic, refreshing Albariño, and unusually, I liked it better when served colder than after it had warmed up.

It is widely available, with Tesco listing it at £17.75. It was on offer for £15.75, with a further 25% discount bringing the price down to £11.81, although it was out of stock at the time of writing.

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