Estival Bodega Pablo Fallabrino 2022

Estival, Bodega Pablo Fallabrino, Atlantida, Canelones, Uruguay, 2022  

Grapes: A blend of 60% Gewürztraminer, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Moscato Blanco, hand harvested and unoaked

Producer Tasting Note: 

Lovely floral lift of lychee and white orchard fruits aromatically with an engaging textural feel countered with an underlying vein of acidity that gives length and drive. 

Critic's Tasting Note:

"A lovely wine in its fruity and floral aromas, with a hint of sweetness towards the end of the palate that contrasts with the juicy and firm acidity that accompanies the wine all the way through the mouth. It is dense, full of flavors of ripe white fruit, and a creamy texture. Estival's first vintage was in 2004, and since then it has followed a similar formula. This is a blend of 60% gewürztraminer, 30% chardonnay and the rest is moscato bianco. The chardonnay is harvested very early, as if it were the fruit destined for a sparkling wine, to give the wine its nerve, while the gewürz and the moscato are harvested very late, to provide creaminess and the most fruity side."

93/100 points, Patricio Tapia, Descorchados, January 2023

Also awarded 92/100 points by Tim Atkin MW, March 2023

The winery is located where the River Plate, the widest river in the world, meets the Atlantic Ocean. This region provides clean cool ocean breezes and an ideal climate for the maturation of wine grapes. With only 16 hectares, they practice sustainable agriculture with no insecticides and only a very low grade fungicide to control downy mildew. The winemaker, Pablo Fallabrino, a laid back good natured surfer, is the perfect catalyst to create a world class winery. His approach is not to over think the winemaking process; instead, he runs with his instincts, takes chances and makes extraordinary wines with his own personal signature. 

Food Match: Aromatic Thai green curry, Vietnamese pho, and satay with peanut sauce; seafood including grilled shrimps, or spicy fish tacos with lime juice; chicken in a tropical fruit sauce (mango, lychee); fresh salads with stone fruits (peach, nectarine); light creamy pasta dishes; full-fat soft whey cheeses (try Italian ricotta)