Grape · Galicia, Spain / Minho, Portugal
Albariño / Alvarinho
ahl-bah-REEN-yoh
Atlantic snap
Rías Baixas and Vinho Verde's star white: citrus, stone fruit, and a saline finish that loves shellfish.
- citrus
- white peach
- saline
- blossom
- apple
Profile
Bodylow
Acidhigh
Sugardry
Grown in granite and over the Atlantic, Albariño keeps high acid at modest alcohol. Most is made to drink young and cold. Old vines and lees aging (some in barrel or foudre) make a broader, age-worthy style that still tastes of the sea.
As Alvarinho in northern Portugal it is often blended in Vinho Verde, or bottled alone with extra tension.
Oysters, clams, grilled octopus, and ceviche. This is not a steak white.
At the table
Service
45–50 °F (7–10 °C).
