Two Spanish wines, one good, one evil filth

At Restaurant Alameda we had an Albarino worthy of mention and a bottle of a typically styled, big, modern wine; a ‘dull wine’ as I like to call them.

Albarino Seleccion de Anada 2001, Pazo de Senorans

This has been aged in large inert tanks for several years, which supposedly allows the wine to last longer than most Albarinos (which die after a couple of years). The nose has real density of good, Viognier-like fruit. The palate has real density too, and very good fruit. The finish is very pleasing. A very good wine.

Ribera del Duero 2003, AALTO

Too oaky, over-extracted. Much too butch with no harmony or elegance. No thanks.