Albarino

Albarino is a variety that originates in the Rias Baixas DO of Galicia in north-west Spain and over the border into Portugal, to the region of Minho as a component for making Vinho Verde, where it is known as Alvarinho. The proximity to the cold currents of the Atlantic allows for the gentle ripening of this variety.

No longer a niche variety, Albarino is now grown in many regions of the New World, with many great successes in New Zealand and South Africa.

The wines have great appeal, many have the citrus character of Riesling, while there are richer examples which bear similarity to Viognier, and of course, several points in between these two.