Bodegas Chaves 'Castel de Fornos' Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain

There is a moment along the Atlantic coast of Galicia when the morning fog lifts and the vineyards of Val do Salnés glow silver under the rising sun, and the 2023 Bodegas Chaves Castel de Fornos Albariño tastes exactly like that moment. Crisp, aromatic, and vibrating with coastal freshness, it channels the wild energy of its ocean-facing slopes while honoring more than half a century of family winemaking tradition. This is Albariño in its purest, most expressive form: bright, textured, and alive.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Albariño
• Alcohol: 13%
• Acidity: 6–6.5 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 1.5–3 g/L
• Vineyard: Estate-grown fruit from Fornos hillside vineyards
• Harvest: September
• Vinification: Free-run juice; temperature-controlled fermentation at 16°C in stainless steel
• Style: Dry, aromatic white

Sensory Description:

Clean and bright in the glass, the wine shows a lemon-yellow hue with pale green reflections. Aromas unfold with white flowers, gardenia, and orange blossom, followed by pear, apple, and bursts of citrus. On the palate, it is smooth and enveloping, layered with varietal pome fruits and citrus wrapped in floral and subtle mineral notes. Refreshing acidity supports a delicately persistent finish that echoes the coastline from which it comes.

Awards & Accolades:

• Silver — 2023 Vintage (Awarded 2024, Concurso Bacchus)

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1955 by José Chaves, Bodegas Chaves has remained a family-run estate for three generations, rooted deeply in the maritime landscape of Galicia. The winery was an early pioneer of quality labeling in the region, becoming one of the first to commercialize Albariño under the “Vinos de la Tierra” designation and later the second winery ever to register under the DO Rías Baixas. Today, the family continues to work exclusively with estate vineyards in Val do Salnés, crafting wines that reflect a long heritage of dedication, innovation, and respect for the land.

Serving Suggestions:

This Albariño shines with seafood, especially grilled razor clams, whose briny sweetness melds seamlessly with the wine’s vibrant acidity and citrus-mineral lift. It also pairs beautifully with oysters, steamed mussels, scallops, ceviche, fresh cheeses, and light salads with citrus dressings. Serve well-chilled at 12°C to highlight its floral delicacy, coastal freshness, and textural elegance.

The 2023 Bodegas Chaves Castel de Fornos Albariño captures the very essence of Galicia, its salt-laden winds, its ancient vineyards, and its enduring family traditions. Radiant, aromatic, and refreshingly pure, it is a wine that celebrates both its coastal origins and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.