Trasto Albarin

La Osa, Leon, White Wine

Trasto Blanco 2024 is a small-batch, high-altitude white wine made from Albarín Blanco, one of Spain’s rarest native grape varieties. It comes from the cool, windy plains of Valdevimbre in DO León and is crafted by Noelia de Paz under her LaOsa label. The result is a vibrant, textured wine that reflects the region’s extreme climate and limestone-clay soils.

Vineyard & Viticulture:

Sourced from 25-year-old vines at 750–800 meters altitude, the vineyards are located on the Páramo Leonés plateau in Valdevimbre. With poor, well-draining clay and pebble soils, the dry-farmed vineyards yield low quantities of concentrated fruit. The continental climate with Atlantic influence ensures hot days and cool nights, ideal for preserving freshness and aromatic intensity. Noelia works with local growers, applying organic, low-intervention vineyard practices and harvesting all grapes by hand.

Winemaking:

Grapes are destemmed and gently pressed before undergoing spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. The wine is aged on fine lees for 4–5 months in neutral French oak barrels (400–500L), enhancing texture without adding oak flavor. Minimal sulfur is added, and the wine is lightly filtered before bottling to maintain clarity and character.

Additional Facts:

Albarín Blanco is not related to Albariño and is nearly extinct, with only around 66 hectares planted worldwide. Its wines are known for intense aromatics, fresh acidity, and a profile that sits somewhere between Albariño, Chenin, and Riesling. Noelia has become a leading figure in reviving this grape in León, earning her the nickname “Queen of Albarín.”

The name “Trasto” translates to “rascal,” a playful nod to the wine’s lively nature. With only about 3,000 bottles produced each year, Trasto Blanco is a rare and expressive bottle that encapsulates the new energy and traditional roots of DO León.