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José Andrés’ podcast, Longer Tables, has featured numerous personalities from the world of cuisine, politics and other sectors. One of his latest chats was with actor and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who connected by video call with the Spanish chef to talk about politics, gastronomy and other social issues. At the beginning of the podcast, both characters showed the gastronomic detail they had given each other. For his part, the Austrian actor gave the Asturian a beer from his country and some Swiss chocolates. For his part, José Andrés had sent him an Albariño wine that Schwarzenegger tasted live.
Drinking from his glass, the Hollywood star was so delighted with this wine from the Rías Baixas that he exclaimed: “I want to thank you for sending me your wine. Spanish wine. I love it… Even if it’s 8 am, before coffee and before breakfast, I’m going to have some wine”. After a symbolic toast, the Austrian exclaimed: “You Spaniards know exactly how to make good wine”. But which wine was it?
This is Sketch, the Galician wine that conquered Schwarzenegger
The wine he gave to the actor is one of José Andrés’ favorites. It is the albariño Sketch, made in the municipality of Meaño, in Pontevedra. Raúl Pérez Bodegas is the winemaker behind this wine that stands out because its grapes come from old vineyards (between 60 and 80 years old), very close to the sea in the Rías Baixas area, which gives it a characteristic saline touch.
There was a time when the aging was carried out at a depth of 19 meters, under the sea of the Ría de Arousa. The objective was that the wines would remain for about 3 months in the climatic conditions, so that they would not suffer changes in temperature, humidity or pressure. Although this method is only used sporadically, and is no longer used for the bottles that are for sale.
It is currently one of the most sought after white wines in Spain and only produce approximately 1,500 bottles. Its price is around 50 € per bottle and it is a fresh, unctuous wine, with hints of citrus where fine tannins appear.