Known as Alvarinho in Portugal and Albariņo in Spain, this grape is widely planted across Vinho Verde (Portugal) and along coastal Rias Baixas in Galicia - just over the northern border of Portugal. Fortunately, super-premium Albariņo from Rias Baixas has been experiencing a renaissance. Popular in northern Europe as early as the 16th century, it took a while for Albariņo to regain appreciation and a cult following after the phylloxera plague. While most people are familiar with the lighter simpler wines from Vinho Verde, others are just beginning to discover the citrusy, botanical, and ripe nuances along a broad flavor spectrum offered by more serious Spanish Albariņo as well as its Portuguese counterparts from Monįão and Melgaįo. We like Albariņo paired with seafood given its maritime origins.
