Albarino / Alvarinho

This is an aromatic grape of high quality that is mainly grown in Galicia, Spain, as well as in Vinho Verde region in Portugal. It can also be found in California, Oregon and Australia, but to a much smaller extent.

The vine has a good vigor and need a large canopy, particular in the wet and humid climate where it is grown in Spain and Portugal. One of its characteristics which suit well with the two regions is its ability to withstand heat. Also, its thick skins protect the grape from the rot in the humid climate.

In Spain, it is one of the most popular and fashionable white grapes, with Rias Baixas the main DO producing the varietal wine, accounting for 90% of the plantings. It is in fact one of the white grapes to produce as a varietal.

Consumption in Galicia alone has exceeded the supply, making the wine generally expensive. There are some experiments going on with barrel fermentation and ageing, but generally they are made fresh using stainless steel vats. The best producers include like Pazo de Senorans and Agro de Bazan.

In Portugal, the grape is known as Alvarinho, with the best quality coming from Dao and Estremadura, mainly because of the lower crops, as well as in the extreme north of the Vinho Verde region.

It is one of the first white grapes to appear as varietal too in Portugal, but is more often blended with Loureiro, Treixadura and Caino. The best producers include Jose Maria da Fonseca.

The wine is typically light-bodied, with zesty and hints of exotic fruit, showing the aromas and flavors of lemon zest, grapefruit and apple blossom, mineral and when ripe, apricot skin and white peach.