Galician Clay-Vessel Albariño — Baladiña Barro 2016

Tasting Notes

Picture a straw-gold glass with a slight green edge, Atlantic breeze built-in. On the nose: white peach, green apple, lime zest, with undercurrents of oyster-shell salt and faint savory clay/earth from the tinaja ageing. On the palate: smooth texture, bright acidity, saline core, finishing with serious mineral clarity and weight unexpected from a white. It’s Albariño with both freshness and backbone.

Meet the Winemaker

From Lagar de Besada in the heart of the Salnés Valley, Rías Baixas (Galicia, Spain). They planted vineyards on granite-rich soils, harvest manually, and for this special cuvée they age the wine 12 months in ovoid clay “tinaja” amphorae after extended stainless-steel contact. Limited production (1,500 bottles) makes this feel special.

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Albariño 

• Vintage: 2016

• Region: Rías Baixas DO, Salnés Valley, Galicia, Spain 

• Aging/Vinification: ~60 months on lees in stainless steel + 12 months in clay tinaja (egg-shaped) amphora for the 2016 vintage. 

• ABV: 12.5%

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 10-12 °C — let the texture shine, not chill the life out of it.

Critic Reviews

• Trade sources confirm “Edition limited to 1,500 bottles, aged in tinaja, intense aromatic profile and great acidity” 

• No major internationally published numerical scores found for this exact cuvée in my search.

Food Pairings

• Octopus a la Gallega with smoked paprika & olive oil — salt, lemon, sea = match.

• Shellfish risotto or paella seafood style — freshness meets richness.

• Oysters or clams with sea spray in the backdrop — yes please.

• Soft goat cheese or creamy fresh cheeses — texture builds, acidity lifts.

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you’re not settling for simple whites. This is Atlantic-kissed, tinaja-aged, texture-driven Albariño that drinks like a story with finesse. It’s crisp but has depth, elegant but has personality. A standout white that says you know your wines when you pour it.

Grab your Baladiña Barro 2016 now—club members get 10% off and other perks. Time to upgrade your white-wine cred.