(ahl-vah-REE-n’yo)
Synonyms: Alvarinho (Portuguese), Albariño (Spanish), Albarín Blanco, Abelleiro, Albarina, Albelleiro, Alvarinha, Azal Blanco, Cainho Branco, Galego, Galeguinho, Paderna
Wine Name: Albariño, Alvarinho, Vinho Verde,
Background: Alvarinho is the Portuguese name for Albariño and therefore the same grape as Albariño. Its name, “Alba-Riño” means “the white [wine] from the Rhine”. Albariño is currently one of Spain’s most fashionable white grape varietals. It produces a light aromatic wine with lemon, grapefruit, apricot and white peach scents, similar to a lighter version of a Viognier. The Rias Baixas region of northwestern Spain is the best known producer. In Portugal, Alvarinho, the same grape with a different name, is used to produce a very light, low alcohol, unripe and acidic wine called Vinho Verde (literally “green wine”). It does not have the aromatics of the Spanish Rias Baixas Albariño but it is often made with a little “frizzante”, small bubbles that give a refreshing tingle to the palate. Occasionally some red grapes are thrown in to make it a rosé or pale red color. It can be a delightful summertime wine.
Classic Brands and Sources: Spain: Agro de Bezán, Benito Santos, Bodegas Fillaboa, Bodegas Valamor, Burgans, Lagar de Cevera, Martin Codax, Quinta da Aveleda; U.S.: Artesa, Gallica
Characteristics:
| Style #1 – Rias Baixas
Body – light to medium Acidity – high Sweetness – fruity but dry Tannins – low |
| Style #2 – Vinho Verde
Body – light to medium Acidity – high Sweetness – dry with frizzante Tannins – low |
Wine and food pairing guidelines:
pairs well with moderately acidic, light bodied dishes, saffron
Foods and Entrees that usually pair:
seafood (especially grilled and slightly spicy), Cajun flavored dishes (e.g., jambalya, creole sauces), cerviche, chorizo, paella, sushi, lemon chicken, pizza, tomato-based acidic pasta, salads, vegetable dishes
Cheese Pairings:
Feta (sheep’s milk), Garrotxa, goat cheese, Gouda, Manchego, Majorero (Spanish hard goat cheese) Mahon, Murcia, Bucheron (French goat cheese), Roncal, Tetilla, dry Jack cheese, cream cheese, Neufchatel
See also Appetizers to pair with Albariño