Albariño

Albariño is a white grape variety that is primarily grown in the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, located in the north-western corner of Spain. It is also grown in Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho, and has also found a home in wine regions as far afield as the United States. The history of Albariño dates back to the 12th century when monks from the Cistercian monastery in Burgundy brought the grape to Galicia. For centuries, Albariño was primarily used to make fortified wines. However, in the mid-20th century, a group of winemakers in the Rías Baixas region began to focus on producing dry white wines from the grape, which gained increasing popularity over time.

Albariño wines are characterized by their high acidity, crispness, and aromatic complexity. They typically display aromas of citrus, green apple, peach, apricot, and white flowers, as well as mineral and saline notes. On the palate, they are typically light to medium-bodied, with flavours of citrus and stone fruit, and a distinct salinity that is reminiscent of the sea. They are often unoaked, though some winemakers choose to use oak aging to add complexity and depth to the wine.