Albariño

Albariño is a white wine grape predominantly grown in Spain and Portugal.

This thick-skinned grape is known for making refreshing, bright white wines, both single varietal and blends. In Portugal, it’s a key grape for the famous Vinho Verde blend and is sometimes used in dry sparkling wines.

Australian winemakers in cooler regions like the Adelaide Hills also grow Albariño for its fresh and vibrant characteristics.

Zesty, bright and clean, Albariño wines are perfect for enjoying in warm weather. The wine’s unusually light body and high, complex acidity means it is ideal for pairing with fresh seafood.

Albariño thrives in northwest Spain’s Rías Baixas and Portugal’s Vinho Verde regions, though it likely didn’t originate there. It’s thought to have been brought to Spain by Cluny monks in the 12th century.

Like many other grapes that create lighter whites, Albariño thrives in cooler, lowland regions, like Rías Baixas and Vinho Verde. These regions have high humidity due to regular rain. To prevent mildew and rot, growers train the vines for better airflow.

Outside Portugal and Spain, Albariño is also grown in cooler Australian regions like Adelaide Hills, Victoria and Tasmania, as well as California’s central coast, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and New Zealand.

Albariño is versatile, producing wines in various styles.

Generally, Albariño wines are dry, refreshingly light and have a high, zesty acidity. They are stronger than some other white wines, with alcohol levels typically between 11.5% and 13% ABV. Some are aged on lees for a creamier, richer texture. The grape is also used to create dry sparkling wines.

Growing by the sea gives Albariño a unique coastal influence, adding a hint of saltiness alongside citrus and white floral notes, enhancing its refreshing quality.

Some classic Albariño flavours include:

• Nectarine

• Grapefruit

• Green apple

• Honeydew melon

• Pineapple

• Apricot

• Peach

• Tangerine

• Lemon curd

• A hint of saline

Albariño wines have a subtle hint of saltiness that enhances their fruitiness, thanks to the grape’s growth in coastal areas. They offer refreshing aromas of citrus like lime, along with juicy pear and honeysuckle.

With zesty acidity and a light body, Albariño is refreshing and easy to drink. For a richer, creamier style, winemakers might barrel ferment or age it on the lees, adding gentle hints of vanilla or almond.

Not every single Albariño wine is the same, but all are delicious.

The right Albariño will depend on what style of wine you prefer – do you enjoy creamier, smoother whites or something more fresh and crisp?

• Australian Albariño is crisp and vibrant, with bright citrus and stone fruit flavours and high acidity. It is often complemented by floral aromas and a hint of minerality.

• Spanish Albariño wines are creamier and smoother than those from Portugal and Australia. They have sweet floral hints amongst the citrus, melon and apricot notes. They also have a salty hint directly from the Atlantic Ocean.

• Portuguese Albariño is fresher and crisper than those from Spain, with more intense, citrusy hints of lime and grapefruit. They typically have a local alcohol level and more obvious salinity.

Albariño’s high acidity and complex flavours make it versatile with many foods. Its light body pairs well with appetisers, as the hint of saltiness cleanses the palate.

Albariño wines are great with fish and seafood. If you want a taste of Iberian life, try pairing a chilled glass of Albariño full of bright, citrusy notes with grilled octopus, cod cooked in garlic and parsley or fresh shellfish.

The wine’s stony minerality means it can also be paired with heartier dishes like seafood paella and vegetable-based tapas. You could also pair it with salty cheeses such as Gouda, Feta and Burrata.

Albariño is also an excellent wine to drink alongside spicy dishes like Thai curries. Its zesty acidity and fresh fruit flavours help to cool the palate between bites.

To fully enjoy Albariño’s fruity character and zesty acidity, serve it chilled between 7 and 10°C.

Serve the wine in a standard white wine glass. The smaller bowl will help preserve the delicate floral aromas and keep it cooler for longer. Richer styles of Albariño can benefit from a larger white wine glass to showcase their more complex aromas.