Parking was a nightmare – you’re lucky you found a spot! Frazzled and late, you walk into the wine bar to meet your friends and the server is already taking drink orders! Oh, no! You have five seconds to decide on your first wine of the evening.
What do you pick?
Personally, if it isn’t bubbles, it’s probably Albariño.
Albariño is an awesome alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio and something I always recommend to those looking to branch out a little bit, but not ready to dive off the white wine ledge. I love converting people to new wines!
Most of the time, it will be coming from Rias Baixas, Spain. In my experience, Albariño not from Spain has left much to be desired (I’ll keep trying but, I mean…). It is also popular in Vinho Verde, Portugal, where it is called ‘Alvarinho.’
General Profile:
- Dry
- Light bodied
- Medium plus – High acid
- Medium alcohol
- Not usually oaked
- Stone fruit (peach, nectarine), green apple, pear, white flowers, minerality/wet rocks, and lots of citrus (grapefruit, lemon, lime).
The defining indicator for me is under ripe peach notes and salinity, with refreshing acidity. While it isn’t quite as herbal as Sauvignon Blanc can be, and not quite as aromatic as Pinot Grigio, it does playfully dance on that line and is easily confused.
Proximity to the ocean gives Spanish Albariño a saline/sea water note, making it a great pairing for seafood, sushi and tapas. I even have it with oysters (if I’m not having bubbles).
I love to start the evening off with a glass of this because it is clean and crisp, easy to drink and will likely be at least a decent match for the appetizers that will inevitably come later.
