Rich stone fruit & citrus notes, with an undertone of honeysuckle & green almond. It has a wieghty mouth feel that is dry, slightly mineral & gives zippy mouth-watering acidity. This gives Albarino the hallmarks of a beautiful afternoon drink on it's own, or with some light white fish. It is amazing with fish tacos, ceviche, oysters, or something like grilled vegetables & padron peppers. Basically anything seafood.
The Albarino grape varietal is a white wine grape that originates from the northwest region of Spain, specifically the Rias Baixas region. It is also grown in the neighboring region of Galicia in Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho.
Taste Profile
The taste profile of Albarino wines can be described as crisp and refreshing with high acidity, and a distinct minerality. The wines are known for their stone fruit and citrus flavors, such as peach, apricot, and lemon, with a hint of floral and herbal notes. They also have a characteristic saltiness that is attributed to the proximity of the vineyards to the Atlantic Ocean.
Winemaking Regions
Rias Baixas, Spain
The Rias Baixas region in Spain is the most popular and well-known region for Albarino production. The region is known for its mild climate, with cool sea breezes that keep the grapes from ripening too quickly, resulting in a balance of acidity and fruit flavors. The wines produced here are typically light-bodied and have a lower alcohol content compared to other white wines.
Vinho Verde, Portugal
In Portugal, Alvarinho is mostly grown in the Vinho Verde region. The wines produced here are known for their high acidity, minerality and a hint of sweetness that makes the wine more approachable. The wines are characterized by their floral and fruity aromas and a good balance between acidity and alcohol.
Other Regions
In recent years, Albarino grapes have been planted in other regions around the world, such as California, Australia, and New Zealand, where the grape is known as Albariño. These wines tend to have a more tropical fruit profile, with flavors of pineapple and passionfruit, and a more pronounced minerality.
In Conclusion
Albarino is a white wine grape that originates from the northwest region of Spain and Portugal. The wines produced are known for their crisp and refreshing taste profile, with high acidity and a distinct minerality. The Rias Baixas region in Spain and the Vinho Verde region in Portugal are the most popular regions for Albarino production. However, the grape is gaining popularity in other regions around the world, where it is being used to produce wines with a more tropical fruit profile.