Castelo do Mar Albarino / 2024 / 750mL

Castelo do Mar Albariño 2024 is a crisp, coastal white from Spain, built on citrus and sea-spray freshness rather than weight or richness. It is the kind of white that works hardest on a warm afternoon, chilled hard and poured generously.

Lemon zest, green apple and a squeeze of white peach lead the aroma, with a faint saline lift underneath that is typical of Albariño grown within reach of the Atlantic. The palate follows the same line, all grapefruit pith and nectarine, with a subtle white blossom perfume that builds as the wine warms slightly in the glass.

Medium-bodied and dry, the 2024 carries bright natural acidity that keeps everything taut through the middle, while a gentle textural grip on the back palate stops it feeling austere. The finish is clean and slightly savoury, closing with a mineral tang that invites the next sip.

Seafood is the obvious call and the wine rewards it: grilled prawns with garlic and chilli, salt-and-pepper squid, Sydney rock oysters, or a plate of steamed pipis with plenty of lemon. It also handles chicken schnitzel, goat's cheese salads and prosciutto with melon without breaking stride.

Drink now through to 2027, served well chilled at around 8 to 10 degrees.