One of northern Spain’s most prolific white grapes, Albariño makes up the majority of plantings in Rias Baixas, as well as across the Minho River into Portugal’s Vinho Verde, where it is known as Alvarinho. It thrives in the granitic soils of the region. This low-yielding, mineral-lined grape makes wines with white flowers, peaches, apricots and almonds. It can be vinified light and sprightly, with refreshing acidity and bounce, or left to hang and build ample flesh and alcohol. As you might expect from its Iberian location, the wine is perfectly suited to pairing with seafood.
