All About Albariño

Pronunciations – “alba-ree-nyo” Albariño is a grape variety grown in the northwest of Spain and in the north of Portugal. The wines tend to be citrus flavor oriented and refreshing, with a light prickle on the palate. In Spain it is grown in the region of Galicia with the most known subregion being Rias Baixas. South of the border with Portugal lies the region of Minho, which is a large producer of Alvarinho. The wines tend to be pale lemon colored, with a distinct saline aroma coming from the proximity to the ocean.

Albariño Tasting Notes

Primary Notes – Citrus (Lemon, Grapefruit, Lime) Stone fruit (Apricot, Nectarine), Green fruit (Pear) Secondary Notes – Lees aging (Bread, Brioche) Body – Light to Medium Palate – Sweetness – Dry; Acidity- High; Tannin- None Typical ABV% – 11-12.5%

Albariño Style

Albariño is mostly produced as a still dry white wine in Galicia. It is unoaked, refreshing, acidic and light to medium in body. In the Minho region in Portugal it is produced in a range of styles. It is produced as a still dry white wine or sparkling white wine made with methode champenoise.

Albariño Classifications

The grape variety under this name is grown mostly in Spain and in the region of Galicia where we have several denominacion de origen. Rias Baixas DO and it has several subzones such as Soutomaior, Ribeira de Ulla, Condado do Tea and a couple more.

When To Drink Albariño

The wines should be consumed between three and five years of age. They can be drunk young although they will benefit from a couple of years of age. They are amazing in the summer and are just the perfect pairing with seafood. Albariño Serving Temperature – 38-45 ºF (3-7 ºC)

Best Years To Drink Albariño

The wines can be consumed as soon as they are released from the winery however they benefit from a bit of cellaring. Don’t keep them longer than five years, as they will start going over the hill.

Albariño Average Prices

The prices of the wine definitely depend on the producer and the region where it is produced. They range from 10$ up to 50$. You can find some even more expensive than that.

Albariño Nutrition Facts

Albariño tends to have about 80 to a 100 calories per glass and 2.5g of carbohydrates. This means that in a bottle it can have 480 to 600 calories and about 15g of carbohydrates.

Fun Facts About Albariño

Vineyards in Rias Baixas are trellised as Pergolas, as the humidity level next to the ocean promotes rot, which is avoided by giving grapes breathing space. It is possible to encounter a varietally labeled bottle of Albariño, something that’s not done in other Spanish regions. Some of the oldest living wines are those of Albariño.