World Famous Grapes
Albariño (Spain)
Albariño is Spain's most famous white wine grape.
The grape is native to Galicia on the north Atlantic coast.
Albariño grows in Galicia in northwest Spain and in Minho in northwest Portugal as Alvarinho.
Albariño has small, sweet berries which produce high quality wines. It is the basic grape of Rías Baixas DO where there has been a dramatic increase in the planted area over the last few years.
Albariño Flavors
Grapefruit and Peach flavors are typical for Albariño.
Hints of Flowers, Herbs, and salty Minerals.
 Lemon |
 Lemon Zest |
 Grapefruit |
 Peach |
 Jasmine |
 Herbs |
 Minerals |
Albariño Profile
Albariño is dry, fresh, fruity, and high on acitity:
| SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
| BODY: | Light |
| FRUIT: | Medium - High |
| ACIDITY: | High |
| ACOHOL: | 11.5-13.5% |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Albariño Food Pairing
Albariño's delicious acidity makes it excellent with both Green Salads and Seafood.
It also pairs well with flavorful, rich, salty, oily, and spicy food.
 Aperitif |
 Salad |
 Olive Oil |
 Seafood |
 Oysters |
 Fish |
 Pasta |
 Pizza |
 Sushi |
Excellent Pairings
Mediterranean. Thai. Indian. Moroccan Cuisine.
Vegetables and Green Salad (with Vinegar).
Shrimps. Prawns. Mussels. Oysters.
Squid. Fish Soup. Fish Pie.
Paella. Tomato-based Pasta and Pizza.
Salmon. Gravlax. Sushi. Sashimi.
Sharp Ingredients. Capers. Tomatoes. Olives.
Galician Specialties
Percebes (Goose Barnacles - Crustaceans).
Marisco (Shellfish).
Spider Crab. Scallop. Grooved Razor Shell.
Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician Style Octopus).
Baccalà (Dry Salted Cod Fish).
Pimientos de Padrón (Savoury and Bitter Green Peppers)
The Ideal Glass for Albariño
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A Tulip Shaped Glass with a slightly smaller bowl can be suitable for various dry white wine styles. It guides the wine to the center of your mouth, avoiding the sides where acidity is less pleasant. A smaller bowl also helps to serve smaller quantities, and keep the wine cold. It also helps if you hold the glass by the stem! |
Albariño Cheese Pairing
Pairing Tips
Add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing. Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the Albariño's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Albariño.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Albariño.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Hard Cheeses
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Gorgonzola Dolce: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
If You Like Albariño
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About Albariño
Albariño is an aromatic grape with thick skin with high tollerance to the cold and humidity of maritime climates.
The main feature is its acidity which matches the Galician Seafood.
The terroir in Salnes D.O. Rias Baixas is granite rock "Xabre" and its Albariño has strong character, long finish, salty minerality and flowery notes.
The terroir in O Rosal D.O. Rias Baixas is shale mixed with granite. With the influence of Rio Miño and the Atlantic Ocean, its Albariño is soft in the mouth, fruity (apple, citrus) and tropical. Bread crust notes from the lees.
Wine Region Galicia
Galicia is a located in north-west Spain.
It is best known for its crisp white wines Albariño and Godello.
Black Grapes |
White Grapes |
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Red Wines |
White Wines |
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Soil |
Climate |
Alluvial |
Hilly |
Galicia DO Regions
There are 5 Denominación de Origen (DO) in Galicia:
Ribeiro DO (1932)
Ribeiro is the oldest DO in Galicia
White wines represent 95% of the wine produced in Ribeiro, and is most common is Treixadura.
Valedorras DO (1945)
Climate: Cold winters. Hot summers. Mild autumns and springs.
Rias Baixas DO (1988)
Rias Baixas DO (lower Rias), close to Portugal, is known to produce the best Albariño in the world.
In Portugal the same grape is called Alvarinho.
Monterrei DO (1994)
Monterrei has become a relevant wine region after of the wines were praised by wine critic Robert M. Parker in 2008.
Ribeira Sacra DO (1996)
Ribeira Sacra is best known for the dry red wine Ribeira Sacra from the Mencía grape.