Albarola

**Albarola** is a white grape from the Ligurian coast of northwest Italy, best known as a supporting player in the seaside blends of the Cinque Terre. It rarely stars on its own, but it lends freshness and structure to some of Italy's most dramatic terraced vineyards. **In the glass** — pale straw in colour, with a fairly restrained, neutral nose of green apple, citrus and a faint saline note. The palate is light-bodied, crisp and brisk with acidity, finishing clean rather than aromatic. **Where it grows** — its home is Liguria, especially around the Cinque Terre and the wider Riviera, where it is blended with Bosco and Vermentino. Plantings are modest and largely confined to this stretch of coast. **At the table** — a natural match for anchovies, fried seafood and other simple dishes of the Ligurian shore. **Cellaring** — made to be drunk young and fresh, ideally within a year or two of the vintage.

Wines

• Cinque Terre — Cantina Crovara
• Lievàntu Colline di Levanto Bianco — Buranco
• Rosa dei Venti — Sassarini