Albariño is a white grape varietal grown in Galicia, Spain. The grape is also known as Alvarinho, in Portugal, but today I am taking you through a great Albariño lineup to enjoy all summer long. These wines are crisp and extremely refreshing with notes of citrus, high acidity, and even tropical fruit aromas. They are very food friendly and pair beautifully with seafood, bbq pulled pork, grilled vegetables, and tapas.

Albariño today, is also grown in California and other regions of the world, however the Rías Baixas DO, is where it is most well known. I had the pleasure of participating in a virtual tasting with Snooth where we tasted ten bottles of Albariño with Advanced Sommelier Jill Zimorski and some team members from Rías Baixas Wines. The tasting was fun and informative and really showcased some outstanding expressions of this great grape varietal that’s perfect for sipping all summer long! 

*Note-  Rías Baixas DO is divided up into five sub-regions. We tasted from three of the five sub-regions, and many of the wines are widely distributed and easy to find in your wine stores or online! 

Sub-region of Val do Salnés

2015 Condes de Albarei Albariño Rias Baixas- Very fresh with dominant notes of stone fruit, pineapple, and white flowers. This wine is light and crisp with subtle citrus notes and a refreshing finish. $15 

2015 Vionta Albariño Rias Baixas- Intense apple, banana, and melon aromas with a soft and pleasantly acidic palate, followed by a long finish. This is my go-to laying by the pool wine during the summer! $15

2015 Martin Codax Albariño Rias Baixas- Delicate and medium bodied, this wine is fresh and full of pear, passionfruit, lemon, and mineral notes. It’s truly a lovely wine thats versatile and food friendly. Take this wine to a cookout with friends or family; it’s a party pleaser. $16.99

2016 Pazo Senorans Albariño Rias Baixas- This wine is aged on the lees for five months, making it an enjoyable and age-able Albariño. It’s balanced and expresses notes of green apple skins, floral notes, salinity, and lots of citrus. $25

 

 

Sub-region of Contado do Tea

2015 Pazo de San Mauro Albariño Rias Baixas- A very pronounced albariño with notes of fresh fruit and citrus. The grapes are exposed to long hours of sunshine, allowing optimal ripening conditions and retention of maximum acidity. This wine is beautiful, aromatic, and complex. It’s perfect for an afternoon picnic paired with shrimp cocktail or fruit salsa! $17

2016 Señorío de Rubiós Robaliño Albariño Rias Baixas- A very floral and fragrant wine with notes of white peach, citrus, and almonds. An elegant palate thats mouthwatering followed by a long and lingering finish. $18

Sub-region of O Rosal

2015 Valminor Albariño Rias Baixas– Yellow straw in color with aromas of melon, grapefruit, and stone fruits. On the palate it’s crisp and vibrant with notes of apple and an elegant finish. $18.99

2015 Bodegas Terras Gauda Abadia de San Campio Albariño Rias Baixas- Clear and brilliant with ripe pear, banana, and citrus aromas. On the palate it’s beautifully balanced with both fruit forward notes, crisp acidity, and a refreshing finish. $19.99

2015 Altos de Torona Albariño Sobre Lias Rias Baixas- A lush and lively wine with intense apple and stone fruit notes. It’s quite a complex wine and a great value for such a playful wine. $14

2015 Santiago Ruiz Albariño Rias Baixas- An intense and vinbrant nose of citrus, herbs, and tropical fruit notes. On the palate this wine is crisp with wet stone qualities and a cool, refreshing finish. This is a great wine to pair with tangy bbq pork, grilled vegetables, seafood, and more. $20

If you’re searching for a dry and mineral driven white wine for summer with plenty of striking fruit forward aromas, Albariño just may be the grape varietal for you. I find these are such fun hot weather wines, because they are cool, crisp, and refreshing. The acidity makes them perfect for sunny days filled with food and friends.