The Albarino grape is known to have started growing around the 12th century. Did you know? Albarino from Spain is the same grape known as Alvarihno in Portugual. Albarino vines were first known to be growing on trunks of trees and in bushes along the sides of fields in Galicia, Spain.
The Rias Baixas region in Galicia, Spain, is the largest principal growing region for the Albarino grape. In this region, any wine produced with the Rias Baixas name on the label must contain at least 70% Albarino.
Galicia is known as “Green Spain” due to fertile, green landscape and is located due north of Portugal on the far west side of Spain along the Atlantic. In this moist, humid climate the vines are trained high on pergolas to prevent from rot. The Celts originally settled this region, so Bagpipes and starchy foods are a popular scene here, making this region far different from the rest of Spain. Albarino is also grown in abundance in Portugal and remains a coveted grape that is left as a single varietal wine.
Albarino is a very fragrant wine you’ll find opens up in layers on the nose. It follows through with an amazing minerality that almost captures the sea salted air from the coast, when from Spain. High acidity, citrus and stone fruit make this wine crisp and exciting. Notes of honeysuckle soften the tangy edges of the wine.
While you may not know this grape by name, many people who enjoy a tangy Sauvignon Blanc will be pleased when trying Albarino. In comparison, the softness of the wine also makes it easy drinking for those who usually prefer Pinot Grigio. These wines pair extremely well with seafood and, in particular, shellfish. Try an Albarino with scallops, clams, lobster or crab. Creamy cheeses such as Brie or goat cheese are a great pairing as well.
This grape is also grown in Portugal, Argentina, New Zealand, Brazil, Uruguay, and in the US in California, Washington State and is beginning to gain popularity in the vineyards in Texas. Coming from Portugal, you’ll see this wine labeled most often as Vinho Verde, which is the region that makes this light, crisp wine with a little effervescence. Almost all Albarino in Australia has now been found, through DNA testing, to be the Savagnin grape from France. So, that being said, labeling on these Australian wines, had been incorrect for many years.