Pronounced: Al-ba-rin-yo.
Albarino is the dominant white wine varietal from Galicia in North-Western Spain, with a footprint in North-Western Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho and sometimes as Cainho Branco. The variety is thought to be native to this area of the Iberian Peninsula and is often considered Spain’s best white wine. The best examples of Albarino are from Rias Baixas DO, where Albarino presents deliciously floral aromas. It is dry, complex and has a long finish with flavours of lemon, lime, honeydew and pear. It is high in acid and provides mouth-watering minerality and delicious saline notes courtesy of vine proximity with the Atlantic. With age, Albarino can develop sweeter flavours of peach, apricot and almond to craft truly great wines!
Perfect Pairing: Albarino is synonymous with seafood (oysters clams, mussels, fish crustaceans) and is a bedrock of Galician cuisine. It also pairs particularly well with creamy chicken dishes, risottos and Asian meals with Tofu. A beautiful match for Spanish Manchego, and salty feta. Albarino is fresh and bright and is outstanding with grilled vegetables and salads.
Imagine drinking a fine Albarino, whilst watching wild Atlantic waves smash into the rugged Galician coast, and tucking into a steaming plate of Percebes (Goose Barnacles), the unique and delicious Galician barnacle pictured here to the left. Pure bliss!