Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Savor Summer with These Two Stellar Spanish White Wines


 

When it comes to summer sipping, Spain delivers in spades. With vineyards hugging coastal breezes and winemakers embracing crisp, aromatic profiles, Spanish whites are tailor-made for beach days, rooftop hangs, and seafood feasts. Two bottles that deserve a spot in your fridge this season? The effervescent Ulacia Txakolina Blanco and the juicy, mineral-rich Granbazán Albariño Verde.

Ulacia Txakolina Blanco (Getaria, Spain – $20)

Bright · Briny · Slightly Sparkling

From the scenic seaside hillsides of Getaria in the Basque Country, this lightly effervescent white wine is made from local grapes Ondarrabi Zuri and Ondarrabi Beltza. Hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks, Ulacia captures the essence of the Atlantic coast with zesty citrus, a touch of salinity and stone fruit, and a natural spritz.

What sets it apart? Its refreshing acidity, low alcohol (just 11%), and subtle effervescence from retaining natural CO₂ during fermentation. It's perfect with raw bar favorites—think oysters, and fresh tuna—or simply as a thirst-quenching aperitif after a day in the sun.

Granbazán Albariño Verde (Rías Baixas, Spain – $27)

Aromatic · Lush · Saline


From the lush, granite-rich vineyards of Val do Salnés, Granbazán’s Albariño Verde is what summer dreams are made of. Grown in northwest-facing micro-plots near the sea and fermented with native yeasts, this wine spends four months on fine lees, giving it complexity without sacrificing brightness.

Expect a gorgeous mix of white peach, lime zest, and sea breeze minerality with a zippy acidity on the finish, is a knockout with ceviche, grilled shellfish, or even salty snacks like edamame and olives.

With a touch more weight and complexity than the Txakolina, this Albariño offers a 13.3% ABV and vibrant acidity (7.9 g/L), making it both food-friendly and lively on its own.

Why These Two?

Together, Ulacia and Granbazán represent two distinct but equally refreshing sides of Spanish white wine: the energetic, spritzy Txakolina and the aromatic, saline-driven Albariño. Both are built for sunshine, seafood, and spontaneous summer moments.

Pro tip: Serve well-chilled and enjoy outdoors—preferably with salty breezes and good friends.


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