Portuguese Grapes
Alvarinho (Portugal)
Alvarinho is produced in a significant amount in the Minho region in northern Portugal.
Minho is close to Spain, where the same grape is called Albariño.
Alvarinho Flavors
Grapefruit and Peach flavors are typical for Albariño.
Hints of Flowers, Herbs, and salty Minerals.
 Lemon |
 Lemon Zest |
 Grapefruit |
 Peach |
 Jasmine |
 Herbs |
 Minerals |
Alvarinho 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) |
Alvarinho 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 Alvarinho
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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! |
Alvarinho 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 Alvarinho'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 Alvarinho.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Alvarinho.
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 Alvarinho
You May Also Like:
The Minho Region (Vinho Verde)
Minho is the largest wine region in Portugal, producing nearly 100 million liters of Vinho Verde every year.
Vinho Verde wines often have a small sparkling sensation that enhances the taste and freshness.
Portugal is a great Rosé Wine nation. The cool climate in Minho gives good freshness to Rosé Wines.
Grapes | Wines |
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Soil | Climate |
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Granite |
Moderate Maritime |
