We recently had the opportunity to taste 10 Albarino side by side – thanks Snooth. Albarino is a white grape from the coastal NW part of Spain called Rias Baixas. Say it with me (ree-ahs buy-shuss) So fun to say even more fun to drink. Think beach, rain, seafood. This tasting taught us that Albarino can be green and grassy, fruity and tart, floral and lush. Mostly dry, with some fruity sweetness and balanced acid. These wines are meant to be enjoyed young and are great pairings for seafood, roasted veggies, or even ethnic foods with a bit of spice. And they are all under $20! We hosted friends and paired ours with a baked Spanish Egg Tortilla, arugula salad dressed with fruit and vinegar, spanish almonds, and green olives.
Here are our notes from the 5 Albarino we liked the best. Cheers.
Condes de Albarei #Albarino 2015 A tropical vacation with ripe pineapple, raw coconut, sweet herb, and white peach. Decadently floral on the palate. It just makes my mouth taste pretty. $15
Vionta #Albarino 15 Crisp & green -spicy pepper juice, lime zest, grass, and faint citrus. The palate is lush yet linear, with a long tart finish. $16
Paso de San Mauro #Albarino 2015 Bruised white flower petals, shortbread, fresh tilled field on the nose. A palate of pineapple, floral bitters, and white spice. $17
Señorío de Rubiós Robaliño #Albarino 2016 Youthful, bright, tart underripe quince, pear, apple blossom. Keeps dancing after the music ends. $18
Valminar#Albarino 2015 Smells almost like a German dessert wine – ripe cantaloup, honey, candied meyer lemon zest and tangy sweet rose. Fruity sweetness but finishes just off dry. $19
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