Albarino wine variety

Albarino is an aromatic white wine variety from Spain. Many Australian winemakers are enthusiastic about its potential in Australia, but unfortunately efforts to introduce the variety into this country have struck a reef.

In early 2009 a controversy emerged about the identity of the variety of vines in some Albarino vineyards in Australia. It is now confirmed that these vines are Savagnin. The problem originated in 1989 when Spanish authorities made a mix up when supplying propagating material to the CSIRO. All so called Albarino vines from these sources are now known to be Savagnin.

See this article details about this controversy.

This is a late ripening white wine variety whose home is the Rias Baixas and Galician wine regions of North West Spain and Portugal. These areas, under the influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, are cooler and wetter than the rest of Spain.

Albarino Wine Country in Spain and Portugal

Detail from an excellent wine map from De Long's Wine Info, maker of the famous wine grape varietal table.

In the north west of the Iberian Peninsula this variety produces light bodied wines with high acidity. The Portuguese Vinho Verde's made from this variety are often very light in body and alcohol, say 8.5%, reflecting the common practice of overcropping on pergola trellises in a warm, humid climate.

Albarino wines are very aromatic, redolent of peaches and apricots and can display a complex array of flavours, similar to Viognier but with much less weight.

It is no surprise to those who have tried these wines that this is now the most fashionable Spanish varietal white wine.

Albarino in Australia

Some winemakers believe that true Albarino is a worthwhile variety and the process of importing the wine through quarantine has begun.

See this page for Savagnin in Australia

What should you eat with Albarino wine?

Spanish style seafood dishes or tapas are the the obvious choices for food pairing with Albarino varietal wines. However it is a very versatile variety and can be used in a similar way to Riesling with all manner of seafood dishes, especially those with garlic. Paella, pastas and risottos will be enjoyed with these wine as well.

See this Grilled octopus recipe for a great dish to accompany albarino.