Introduction to Albariño
If there is a Galician grape variety par excellence, this should be the Albariño. This white grape has many followers in the world, as its floral aromas and flavors of peach with some spicy notes have become a true delicacy for all lovers of white wines.
Origins
According to information from Wikipedia about the Albariño grape:
“There are theories that indicate that the monks of Cluny brought the grape to Armenteira monastery (in the Pontevedra region of ‘O Salnés’) in the twelfth century. From there its cultivation spread to the rest of Galicia and northern Portugal. Umia River is considered the father of Albariño in its banks as the vine is grown and produced this wine from the Middle Ages.Today this theory is regarded as a mere legend, and the Albariño is a variety native of Galicia.” “(Http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albariño)
Where is Albariño grown?
The best wines made from Albariño grape are in Galicia, more precisely in the Rias Baixas Designation of Origin, established in 1988. The districts of Condado Rosal and Salnés are those with the highest concentration of this luxurious and aromatic white grapes. In Galicia, it is also cultivated in the Denominations of Origin “Ribeiro”, “Ribeira Sacra.” Also, since 2007 you can find some wine with Albariño protected by the mention of the Tierra de Barbanza and Iria, which comprises most of the municipalities bordering the Ria de Arosa. Albariño wines can also be found in producers from Portugal. In Portugal, the wines made from Albariño are called vinho verde. Apart from Galicia and Portugal, Albariño vines can be found in Cantabria, Castilla y Leon and Catalonia. Its presence in the United States is very recent and started in 1996 in California in the regions of Santa Ynez Valley and Clarksburg.
Aromas
Varietal wines from Albariño are recognized for their freshness, their slight acidity and generous fruit aromas.
The Albariño can be described as an Iberian version of the grapes Viognier, Gewurztraminer, or Petit Manseng, all have aromas of apricot and peach in common.
The aroma of Albariño are extremely aromatic, with balance in terms of acidity and a great palate. You can note intense floral notes of fine herbs and fruits such as apples, peaches and bananas.
The degree of alcohol is not very high, ranging between 10 º and 11.5 º.
Colours
The wines created from Albariño grapes are recognized by their yellow-green colours, with golden glints and straw like.
Synonyms
Alvarinho (Portugal), Cainho Branco (Portugal), Albarin Blanco (España)