Estival Bodega Pablo Fallabrino 2020

Estival, Bodega Pablo Fallabrino, Canelones, Uruguay, 2020   

Grapes: 60% Gewürztraminer, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Moscato Blanco, hand harvested and unoaked. 

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. 

"The first vintage of Estival was in 2004, and it has followed a similar formula ever since. This is a blend of 60% gewürztraminer, 30% chardonnay, and the rest is moscato bianco. The chardonnay was harvested very early, as if it were intended for sparkling wine, to give the wine its nerve, while the gewürz and moscato were harvested very late to provide creaminess and a fruitier side. The vineyards are located on calcareous-clay soils, ranging from 5 to 25 years old. All three varieties were co-fermented, and the result is a juicy and refreshing white, full of ripe white fruits amid crisp and lively acidity. A white to drink by the liter on vacation, along with grilled fish."

93/100 points, Patricio Tapia, Descorchados, January 2021

Also awarded 91/100 points by Tim Atkin MW, June 2021

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.