Albariño

Albariño wine is a fresh, aromatic and fruity white, with aromas ranging from citrus to peach depending on the character of each vineyard plot, and a bright minerality that sets it apart from any other white grape.

Our selection of Albariños brings together the best wines on the market at the best price. This great white grape is so versatile that you can find Albariño in every imaginable style: from light, youthful wines to robust oak-aged whites, through to the creaminess of those matured on lees. Its perfect food pairing is, without a doubt, the fish and seafood of a sea it rarely strays far from.

To say Albariño wine is, for many, synonymous with Rías Baixas, the appellation that best represents this variety, and synonymous, for most, with fine Spanish white wine.

Its round, small grapes grow in large bunches and are able to build up plenty of sugar without losing acidity. It's believed that monks of the Order of Cluny brought the variety to Spain back in the 12th century, and many believe it shares a close kinship with Riesling. Indeed, both grapes produce aromatic, floral, fruity wines with fantastic acidity and a great ability to express the character of the terroir.

The classic image of Galician Albariño vineyards is of vines trained on raised pergolas, keeping the grapes away from the ground and, therefore, from damp. This also improves sun exposure, crucial for good ripening, though at the same time it means the harvest has to be done by hand — a factor that can explain much of the price of some Albariño wines.

The grape can be found in both Galicia and Portugal alongside other white varieties of Atlantic character, but more and more winemakers are choosing to showcase its qualities on its own, especially in the Rías Baixas DO. Ribeiro or Valdeorras tend to include it in blends.

Frequently asked questions about Albariño wine

What temperature should Albariño be served at?
Ideally between 8 and 10°C, cold enough to bring out its freshness without masking its aromas.

Does Albariño improve with age, or should it be drunk young?
Most Albariño is enjoyed young, but examples aged on lees or in barrel can develop well over several years, gaining complexity.

What food pairs best with Albariño?
Fish and seafood above all, though it also works very well with white poultry, rice dishes and lightly spiced Asian cuisine.