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.
Hilmy 2018 Albarino – Texas High Plains ($28 bottle). Our partners at Hilmy are making great efforts to do things right! Whether you want VIP treatment for a tasting, or just want to know that your wines are made conscientiously, these guys have great attention to detail. By sourcing this fruit from the Texas High Plains, they are getting grapes loaded with flavors and a balanced minerality derived from limestone and sandy loam soils. This wine underwent extended fermentation on the skins to capture a deeper color and a lingering finish that isn’t typical of this varietal. While most Albarino is intended to be drank young, the skin contact on this particular bottling will allow the wine to cellar for 3 to 5 years, if you can manage to keep it that long!
Klinker Brick 2017 Albarino– Lodi, California ($16 bottle) The family owned and maintained 15 individual vineyard blocks of Zinfandel vines that dated back over 100 years. In the 1990s, the family began to market their fruit to wine makers, and in early 2000, decided to make their own wine label. You may be curious about the name…Klinker Bricks are highly prized bricks that grace many historical buildings in Lodi, including the family’s home. These bricks were chosen by architects in the 1920s for their dark, rich color, and the density and heavier weight. Klinker actually refers to the unusual sound these bricks make when banged together. Because the winery started with making rich and dense Zinfandel and Syrah, they felt this name gave a nod to their heritage and also could describe their wines. Now, they have expanded to include some additional interesting wines, including this bright and herbaceous Albarino. If you find yourself in Lodi, this is definitely a great spot to visit. We keep their Syrah on hand for our own indulgence!
Marques de Caceres 2017 Deusa Nai – Rias Baixas, Spain ($21 bottle). Inspired by five generations of wine lovers, this label was created in partnership with established Bordeaux growers to bring high quality wines to Spain, using revolutionary techniques and technologies. The winery prides itself on their award-winning red wines and Sauvignon Blanc, this bright and lively white is a crowd pleaser. The region of Rias Baixas is on the western coast of Spain, just north of the border to Portugal. Any wine made in Rias Baixas is required to have at least 70% of the Albarino grape.