All Aboard the Albariño Train!
Say hello to Altos de Torona
Hello,
Last year, I travelled to Galicia in search of a producer to partner with and nine months later, that plan has become a reality.
Please give a big, warm welcome to Altos de Torona.
To give you the full intro, I thought I’d do something a little different and interview myself to share the details.
Who is Altos de Torona?
A wine producer based in O Rosal, Rías Baixas, perched high above the Miño river in Galicia, Spain.
Why Albariño?
I’ve had a soft spot for the grape ever since my early days at Majestic. It’s a grape growing in popularity, and it’s just a beautiful thing.
Why Altos de Torona?
Because I believe their wine is the very definition of what Albariño from Rias Baixas should be.
The team is as cool as their wines.
They are sustainability champions.
This is only the start of their journey.
Where can I find Their Wines?
Right now, they have just one wine available in the UK, and you’ll find it on the shelves at Waitrose. If you already love Albariño, or you’re simply curious to try something fresh and full of character, this is a wonderful place to start.
“Altos de Torona Albariño is a brilliant example of what white wine should be. It opens with fragrant notes of white stone fruit, citrus peel, and subtle florals. On the palate, it’s crisp and balanced, with a lovely freshness that brings out flavours of ripe peach and green apple — an ideal match for my favourite summer salads. Fresh yet elegant, it’s full of charm and just the right amount of character. Honestly? It's the only bottle that’s earned a permanent spot in my cooler this summer.”
A happy Waitrose customer.
I Thought This was the Year of Portugal?
It is - I’m sure you won’t begrudge me hopping over the border to the sunny slopes of Galicia (plus you can pretty much see Portugal from the vineyards).
That’s all for now, but you’ll see more of Altos de Torona in the months ahead, as I share the story behind the people, the place, and what makes this wine so special.
Cheers,
Luke 🍷
P.S. I’m in Portugal this week for the Wines of Portugal Challenge, so May’s “The List” update will be arriving next week.
Is it available in Portugal? 😉
Hi Luke, I read this with wry amusement. I too have worked (briefly) at Majestic and I do love Albariño. But I'm living it, in Rias Baixas, making my own since 2017. As far as I know, I'm the only foreigner physically making their own wine here. It's an interesting experience.