Italian Grapes

Albarola

Albarola is an Italian white wine grape from Liguria and Puglia.

Most of the plantings are found in the Cinqueterre and La Spezia region of Liguria.

The grape is commonly blended with other Ligurian varieties such as Bosco and Vermentino.

Albarola Flavors

Salinity, Lime, and Green Apple are typical Albarola flavors.

With delicate hints of Pine Nuts, Basil, and Minerals.

The bitter aftertaste reminds of the white peel in a grapefruit.

Lemon

Lime

Apple

Pear

Peach

Grapefruit

Daffodil

Rosemary

Pine Nuts

Basil

Almond

Salt

Albarola Profile

Albarola is a light and dry white wine with good acidity:

SUGAR:	Dry 3g/l

BODY:	Light

FRUIT:	Medium - Low

ACIDITY:	High

ALCOHOL:	12-13% ABV

	Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F)

Albarola Food Pairing

Albarola is a typical Fish Wine, with Pine Nuts and Basil Aromas. In Liguria it is an excellent pair to Ligurian Pesto.

Aperitif

Olive Oil

Olives

Tapas

Salads

Vegetables

Fish

Fish and Chips

Seafood

Fish Soup

Spaghetti

Pasta

Excellent Pairings

Mediterranean Cuisine.
Italian/Japanese Fusion. Sushi. Tempura.
Salads. Olive Oil. Tomatoes.
Vegetables. Artichoke. Arugula. Asparagus.
Fennel. Pesto. Spinach. Zucchini.
Rich Seafood. Salmon. Halibut. Trout.
Fried Calamari. Crab. Lobster.
Seafood Pasta. Spaghetti with Clams.
Tomato based Sauces.

Italian Specialities

Spaghetti alle Vongole.
Linguine with Crab.
Fritto Misto di Mare.

The Ideal Glass for Albarola

The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass.

It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas characteristic of zesty and fruity white wines.

Albarola Cheese Pairing

Albarola is known for its crisp and fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity. You can also add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), and a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Feta

Mozzarella

Ricotta

Chèvre

Fontina

Brie

Camembert

Primo Sale

Serra Estrela

Asiago

Taleggio

Robiola

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine'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 Albarola.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Albarola.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Hard Cheeses

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.

Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.

Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Albarola

About Albarola

Albarola is best known for Ligurian white wines.

The Albarola grape is the major component in:

Colli di Luni DOC
Colline di Levanto DOC
Val Polcèvera DOC

Albarola is also notably featured in Cinque Terre DOC wines, where it is blended with other local varieties such as Bosco and Vermentino.

Colli di Luni DOC

Colli di Luni is an DOC appelation located around Massa and La Spezia in northwestern Italy.

The DOC is a part of both Liguria and Toscana.

Bianco DOC	Min 35% Vermentino. 25–40% Trebbiano. Max 30% OAWG
Albarola DOC	Min 85% Albarola + OAWG
Vermentino DOC	Min 90% Vermentino + OAWG
Superiore DOC	100% Vermentino

Cinque Terre Bianco DOC

Cinque Terre Bianco was established as a DOC in 1973:

Name	Description
Bosco DOC	Min 80% Bosco, Max 20% OAG
Albarola DOC	Min 80% Albarola, Max 20% OAG
Vermentino DOC	Min 80% Vermentino, Max 20% OAG

The DOC has 3 subzones:

Costa da Posa
Costa de Campu
Costa de Sera

Wine Region Liguria

Climate

Liguria's vineyards are situated along the rugged coastline, often on steep terraced hillsides. The proximity to the sea influences its climate, creating a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The sea breezes help moderate temperatures, providing a favorable environment for grape cultivation.

Black Grapes	White Grapes
12% Rossese	28% Vermentino 15% Pigato 5% Albarola 5% Bosco

Red Wines	White Wines
Rossese di Dolceacqua	Albarola Cinque Terre Bianco Pigato Rossese Bianco Vermentino

Denominations

Cinque Terre / Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà DOC
Colli di Luni DOC
Colline di Levanto DOC
Golfo del Tigullio–Portofino / Portofino DOC
Pornassio / Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC
Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC
Rossese di Dolceacqua / Dolceacqua DOC
Val Polcèvera DOC

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