Refreshment, it is said, is wine's first responsibility, but too often we try to over do it and make wines that are designed to bludgeon rather than refresh, we must remember it is a beverage not a club. Albarino is the name of the grape that makes this wine, and it is made most famously in Spain in a place called Rias Baixas (feel free to interpret pronunciation at will). My interpretation of the Castro Martin Albarino is that it is clean and fresh, citrus acidity and fine almost tropical fruits with a delightful apricot finish. I always think this wine should be poured into the glasses of Sauvignon Blanc drinkers to show them they is another way to vinous happiness, yet it has many wonderful similarities to dry Rieslings. It is pure and tight and full of flavour at the same time. This wine makes it on to my 'even though there is no room I want it in my fridge all the time' category. Remember the name, and pester your local bottle-o to buy some immediately. It should cost you about $30, and it is worth every last cent.

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