Albades Garnacha de Montana
History
: Albades is a wine brand created by Hammeken Cellars, an innovative Spanish wine company, to showcase Spain’s freshest and most distinctive terroirs through a modern approach. Founded in 1996, Hammeken Cellars is a leading négociant and wine producer that has specialized in discovering exceptional vineyards across Spain and introducing wines that reflect the unique character of each region to international markets.
Albades Garnacha de Montaña is produced in the high-altitude vineyards of the Sierra de Algairén, located within the DO Cariñena region of northeastern Spain. Situated approximately 700–800 meters above sea level, these vineyards benefit from significant day-to-night temperature variations, abundant sunshine, and poor soils, allowing the grapes to develop concentrated flavors while retaining excellent acidity and freshness. These unique conditions produce wines that combine the rich fruit character of Spanish Garnacha with an elegant sense of balance.
The name “Montaña,” meaning “mountain,” reflects the wine’s defining characteristic: its high-altitude terroir. This distinctive environment enhances freshness and creates a refined structure that sets it apart from Garnacha grown in lower-altitude vineyards. By reinterpreting traditional Spanish grape varieties through a contemporary approach, Albades continues to introduce the unique appeal of Spanish wines to international markets, offering outstanding quality and exceptional value.
About Wine
: The grapes are sourced from bush vines (Gobelet) over 30 years old, cultivated on a high-altitude plateau approximately 750 meters above sea level, where a continental climate brings cold, dry winds. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested in late October, followed by 2–3 days of cold maceration at 10–12°C. The wine is then aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the grape variety’s natural freshness, vibrant fruit aromas, and harmonious balance. Its outstanding quality has been recognized with 92 points from James Suckling.
Tasting Note
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Garnacha 100%
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Displaying a pale lemon-yellow color with subtle greenish reflections, this wine reveals expressive aromas of ripe apricot and lychee, complemented by delicate floral notes of orange blossom. On the palate, vibrant and fresh fruit flavors unfold, beautifully balanced by lively acidity, leading to a clean, crisp, and refreshing finish.