Albariٌo

In the northwest coastal region of Spain is the area known as Galicia. This green, hilly region is home to the white varietal of Albariño. This grape has been grown in the region for centuries and was most commonly seen as the main blending varietal in the Rias Baixas (ree-ass by-shass).

The Rias Baixas DO was established in the late 1980s with Albariño being the main grape. Traditionally blended with other varietals such as Loureiro, Godello Caño, Arinto & Treixadura, now Albariño is seen more and more as a single varietal wine. In fact, Rias Baixas Albariño must now contain 100 percent of the grape to be labeled as such.

In the last 20 years or so, wine makers have begun to make these wines in a style to match the European and American palates that wanted wines with a clean flavor and rich, ripe fruit. These wines have a distinctive aroma that is quite similar to Viognier or Gewurztramine with apricot and peach tones. They are typically light to medium-bodied wines with a fair amount of acidity and are great food wines.

The Atlantic coastal area in this part of Spain is spotted with deep, wide inlets. The climate tends to be moderate with cool evenings and plenty of winter rain. This weather gives Albariño the ability to fully ripen. The vines are generally trained to have larger canopies to be able to handle more buds per vine, usually around 30 to 40 buds.

Right next door the very same varietal is grown in the northwest region of Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho. Here it is grown in the Moncäo and Megaco areas that are much like the Spanish region it is grown in. Here the wines are made in the same style of rich tropical fruit flavors but tend to be a few points higher in alcohol.

Albariño is also being made more and more in other regions of the world, such as California’s Santa Ynez Valley, Clarksburg and Los Carneros AVA’s.

Lusco Do Miño Albariño Rias Baixas Zios 2009

Appearance: pale golden lemon color

Aroma: lush nose of honeysuckle and pineapple with a touch of citrus

Flavors: racy flavors of mandarin, apple and almond with a touch of mango and apricot

Finishing Notes: silky finish with mineral overtones, elegant and fresh

Perfect Pairing: The rich ripe fruit paired with the elegance and fresh clean overall aspect of this white makes this wine a great food wine. This particular Albariño would be a great accompaniment to any shellfish or fresh fish dish. We would suggest a bowl of mixed steamed clams and mussels in a light citrus broth while enjoying a cool summer evening along the water!

WINE:30 is written by Karl Bradley and Jody Wuollett, who are both longtime residents of Door County. Jody is the owner operator of Chop Restaurant in the Sister Bay Country Walk Shops and Karl is the General Manager and Executive Chef of the Mission Grille in Sister Bay. They have both been awarded the first level of certification from the Court of the Master Sommeliers.