Albariño (AKA Alvarinho)
TL; DR
Albariño is an ultra-zingy white from a small region in northern Spain, slowly taking over the world!
So, what's Albariño all about?--red
Albarino is a light to medium-bodied white wine that is built around a core of acidity. With plenty of salinity, citrus and zing, it's a no-brainer as an aperitif or with fresh seafood!
Where does it come from?--aromatic
Albariño has its roots in the north-western corner of Galicia in Spain. It also is found heavily over the border in northern Portugal, where it's locally called "Alvarinho". Studies indicate this grape is native to both regions.
Where's Albariño famously from?--racy
Albariño is most famously from the north-western corner of Spain in the damp, coastal region of Rías Baixas in Galicia.
It is also found just south across the border, in northern Portugal where it's most notably from a region called Vinho Verde! In Vinho Verde, it's most often blended with several other local white grape types and made into a crisp and refreshing white that often has a touch of spritz!
What does Albariño taste like?--aromatic
A mix of white peach and pink grapefruit are the stereotypical characters of this grape, but watch out for the kick of salt in the tail. Some can have a slight pithy bitterness that taste somewhat like tonic water (quinine). But one thing is always consistent across the board; Albariño has bright and invigorating acidity!
What are the main styles of Albariño?--cellar
In general, Albariño is best known for its dry style, filled with a fruit basket of flavour and refreshing acidity. However, in Vinho Verde, the style is extra young and fresh. So young that the wine is often released only three to six months after the grapes are harvested. These youthful wines often have a slight spritz (bubbles in the wine), levelling up its refreshment factor to a whole other level!
There have also been a few hardy souls who have tried to use oak or long lees ageing to bring out a more powerful side of Albariño. In our opinion, they're just not as enjoyable. This grape does the zingy white thing so, why mess with it?
What foods pair with Albariño?--plum
Albariño is the ultimate maritime wine — it loves seafood! Go crazy with ceviche, crayfish, whiting, prawns... anything! With its high acidity and clean, salty flavours it can also handle well to fresh salads, fish tacos and light and salty tapas!
Recipes to pair with Albariño--earth
Zesty Spicy Squid Salad - 4 steps, 6 servings
Salmon and Sea Bass Ceviche - 30 minutes, 6 servings
Mussels with Tagliatelle - 30 minutes, 4 servings
Spicy Crab Cakes - 45 minutes, 2 servings
Fun fact--red
Australia thought it would get in on the Albariño craze back in the late 1990s, and some grapevines were imported from Spain. A number of wineries planted the vines and some lovely wines were made.
Unfortunately, a few years later a renowned French ampelographer (someone who studies grapevines!) visited and declared that the vines weren't in fact Albariño after all, but the lesser-known French variety Savagnin.
Whoops....
If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines
About the Author & Artist
Alex Tanner is a certified sommelier that spends more time running in old-growth forests than any other somm — impulsively training her nose while at it! A talented illustrator with a unique style, her doodling works are inspired by the world of wine - and somehow, seem to improve after a glass or two.