Albariño

**Albariño** is a white grape from the damp, Atlantic-facing corner of northwest Spain, where it is the signature variety of Rías Baixas in Galicia and the source of some of the country's most refreshing whites. **In the glass** — expect a pale, bright wine with a lift of citrus, white peach, apricot and a saline, sea-breeze note, carried on crisp, mouth-watering acidity and a light-to-medium body that often feels almost tactile in its freshness. **Where it grows** — its heartland is Galicia, and just across the border in Portugal's Vinho Verde it goes by Alvarinho, where it can feel a touch riper. It has also been picked up by growers in California, Oregon and elsewhere chasing its zippy, aromatic style. **At the table** — a natural partner for shellfish, grilled sardines and other seafood. **Cellaring** — generally best enjoyed young and fresh, though the more serious, lees-aged examples can gain texture over a few years.

Wines

• 3 Rios — Anselmo Mendes
• Albariño — Zarate
• Albariño — Stone Farm Cellars & Vineyard
• Albariño — Martín Códax
• Albariño — Salneval
• Albariño — Pazo de San Mauro
• Albariño — Paco & Lola
• Albariño — Category 5
• Albariño Affinity — Alexandria Nicole
• Albariño Coyote Canyon Vineyard — Coyote Canyon Winery
• Albariño Otis Vineyard — Smasne Cellars
• Albariño Proprietor's Reserve — Maryhill
• Albariño Rías Baixas Orballo — Bodegas La Val
• Albariño Vino de Finca — Springfield Estate
• Albariño de Fefiñanes — Palacio de Fefiñanes
• Alvarinho — Aluado
• Bienbebido Come Pulpo — Vintae
• Bruto Barrica — Soalheiro
• Cantigas — Martín Códax
• Cedro Alvarão — Vale da Capucha