VARIETAL BACKGROUND

One of the few prominent Spanish white varietals, Albariño hails from the Rías Baixas region in the province of Galicia. Situated at the northwest tip of the country, Galicia is bordered on two sides by the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime influence ensures a cool growing season with a temperate, even climate, and can result in beautiful wines high in both acidity and flavor.

Currently, there are few Albariño vines planted in California. In fact, most available acreage reports lump this small producer in the “other whites” category. The Niven family is out to change those statistics. They have carved out 45 acres of their renowned Paragon Vineyard in the Edna Valley to dedicate to Albariño, making it one of the largest vineyards planted to the variety outside of Spain.

SIPTM CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE

The Niven family’s estate vineyard, Paragon, has earned the Sustainability in Practice (SIPTM) Vineyard Certification. The family has ensured that these vineyards have historically been farmed in a careful and responsible manner, taking into account all facets of the surrounding environment. Certification proves their collective commitment to environmental stewardship, economic viability, and equitable treatment of employees. SIPTM provides a comprehensive and verifiable method to authenticate a vineyard’s attention to integrated farming practices.

TANGENT ALBARIÑO

Grapes for this wine were grown 5.4 miles from the Pacific Ocean on the rolling slopes of vineyards in the Edna Valley of California. Located halfway between Monterey to the north and Santa Barbara to the south, this tiny valley boasts one of the coolest, and longest, growing seasons in the state. Much like the Rías Baixas, the Edna Valley maintains a consistent, temperate climate from vintage to vintage. The extended hang time encourages full ripening and development of intense varietal character, a Tangent imperative.

As Tangent aims to produce vibrant wines of good acid structure to be naturally enjoyed with a wide range of foods, this wine was made without any oak influence, nor did any portion of it go through malo-lactic fermentation.

TASTING NOTES

“The Edna Valley has become the New World home to Albariño and it shows in the wines. Our Tangent Albariño highlights the great characteristics of this lively varietal. It’s bursting with aromas of lemon, citrus, peach and roses. On the palate, it’s full of energy and backed by the trademark salinity found in coastal Albariño. It’s a crisp and vibrant mouthwatering wine that showcases why the Edna Valley is truly a special place to grow and craft Albariño.”