Albariño (or Alvarinho, as it is known in northern Portugal) cuttings were first imported into South Africa by Newton Johnson Vineyards in the early part of the last decade, sourcing plant material from UC Davis in California. Today, there are just a handful of producers in the Winelands who have access to the variety. Despite its rarity, The Liberator has some useful contacts…
This parcel was planted as an experimental block by one of the Cape’s major producers, but with no natural home for the wine, it was destined to be blended away into a large tank of Sauvignon Blanc. The domestic market is still getting to grips with this exotic-sounding variety. It was considered by the company marketeers to be too tough a sell…
Fresh acidity with lime and lemon fruit balances the full body and firm structure of the wine and, with a maritime note, it reminds Rick how well the wine matches seafood.
The Liberator is the project of Master of Wine, Richard Kelley.
Over the past 25 years, Richard has become one of the most respected authorities on South African wine in the UK and beyond. Between 1995 and 2002, he lived and worked in the Cape, witnessing the renaissance of the post-apartheid wine industry. Throughout this fruitful period, he established a healthy rapport with the great and the good of the local wine scene, affording him access to their distinguished cellars.
On his regular jaunts around the Cape, he's often confounded by the number of great wines that are resigned to a tragic fate of being blended away or disposed of in bulk. It might be an occasional experimental batch, or possibly an interesting off-cut from some proud winemaker’s latest premium release. Whatever their provenance, it’s his mission as The Liberator to procure these precious vinous orphans and consign them to a better home.
Inevitably, each wine discovered by The Liberator comes with its own story; a tale of its untimely existence. You’ll find that every release has its testimony recounted, in bottle and on screen, as a unique and evocative Episode.
Expect the unexpected …
The Liberator doesn’t adhere to any standard formula for selecting wines. There is no set style or quantity. No fixed price point. Rest assured that whatever the wine it’s received Rick’s own seal of approval.
South Africa, Coastal Region
Albarino
11.00%
Seafood
Dry
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