If you really enjoy a good white wine with lots of character and haven’t tried a Spanish Albarino, go out and grab a bottle.
Albariño, pronounced “Al-ba-reen-yo”, meaning “the white from Rhine”, is as popular to Spain as Chardonnay is to North America. Grown in the D.O. appellation Rías Baixas (ree-ahs-buy-shuss), Albariño is considered a benchmark producing captivating wines with rich, tart, distinctive aromas and flavors.
What you’ll love about Albariño is its innate ability to mimic so many varietals, yet it distinctively stands out as a wine with unrivaled character and finesse. Emulating its stature would call for a dash of grassiness from Sauvignon blanc, a hint of almond flavors found in Pinot blanc, a handful of mineral flavors from Riesling, a pinch of apple and peach from Chardonnay – then envelop all this goodness with the sweet smells of apricots and orange blossoms found in Viognier.
Here are a few favorites recently sampled:
[box]2014 Fillaboa Albariño, D.O. Rías Baixas, Spain ($20)[/box]
The grapes to craft this wine were sourced form 170 acres of rolling vineyards that border Portugal. In the bottle, it’s a richly aromatic wine boasting complex citrus, orange blossom, pineapple and lemon flavors. The finish is smooth and lively, leading to a pretty honeydew finish. Drink now.
[box]2014 Eidos de Padriñan Albariño, D.O. Rías Baixas, Spain ($22)[/box]
Fresh and lively, this Albariño is full-bodied and multifaceted with citrus and floral notes. Great acidity, crispness and mineral finish makes it a great summer sipper. Grab a bottle and enjoy it with friends on a hot summer night.
[box]2014 Rectoral Do Umia Viñabade Albariño, D.O. Rías Baixas, Spain ($15)[/box]
A pleasant Albariño with green apple, peach and pear flavors that leads to a medium-long honey finish. The wine has good acidity and great balance.
What food is great to pair with Albarino? Asparagus and artichokes, of course!
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