It's no secret that we love wines made from the Albariño grape. Nestled up in the far north-western corner of Spain by the wind-swept Atlantic coast, the wine region of Rías Baixas produces this much admired and popular, elegant white wine to such a high level that it is considered the spiritual home of the grape.

Rías Baixas gained Denominación de Origen status in 1988. It is full of lush, verdant grassy hills and has a misty, drizzly climate. Albariño thrives here as its thick skin can withstand the potential threat of mildew and rot caused by the damp conditions. If you were to visit a vineyard you'd also notice that the vines are trained high up, above head height, on wooden pergolas to encourage air circulation. 

The region runs along the Atlantic coast where five Rías (shallow inlets running inland from the ocean) bring in mists and salty sea water which mixes within rocky fjords with freshwater from inland, creating a unique environment.

The name is pronounced ahl-bah-ree-nyoh and refers to the white-ish colour of the grapes skin. Albariño’s aroma is fresh and inviting with notes of lime, grapefruit and nectarine. You might also notice gentle hints of beeswax, melon and honeysuckle too, depending on the wine. On the palate, you get mouth-watering acidity and intense stone fruit flavours. Peach, apricot and a touch of lemon zest give it such an energetic character. The finish is fresh, fruity and can sometimes have nutty elements. 

There is an abundance of fantastic quality seafood found on the Atlantic coast, so it's no surprise that Albarino is a perfect match with fish and particularly octopus, which is a local delicacy. Try it grilled with a big squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkling of paprika and washed down with a glass of this wonderful wine.

Albarino's popularity outside of Spain has been growing since the late 90s and is an easy alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. On August 1st every year, Rias Baixas celebrates Albarino day and the timing is no accident. These wines are made for summer, so during August why not pour a glass of Albarino wine?

Here are our favourites:

Adegas Laureatus, Reveleste Albarino, 12%

Delicious, mouthwatering dry white that really delivers that coastal freshness that makes Rias Baixas Albarino so appealing. The nose is vibrant and zesty with citrus, tropical fruit, very subtle salinity and floral notes. On the palate it is light and fresh with lots of apple, peach, melon, lemon and mango fruit. There's a characteristic energy in the acidity and it leads to a crisp, zippy, dry finish.

Granbazan, Etiqueta Ambar Albarino, 12.5%

This is a really delicious and zesty Albariño. Fresh almost tropical aromas then stone fruit and citrus on the palate with a creamy texture, mineral notes, vibrant acidity and a slight seaside saltiness. It is ripe and complex in style but with fresh balancing acidity and good length on the finish.

Try with a seafood stew. 

Producer Spotlight - Bodegas Granbazan

Nestled in the picturesque Salnes Valley, Bodegas Granbazan have been crafting their exceptional wines since 1981, marking over four decades of dedication to the art of winemaking. They stand out as a beacon of tradition and quality in the world of Albariño wines. Their winery is a neoclassical gem, adorned with bright blue tiles, offering a cultural experience on a journey through the rich history and flavors of Spain's famed Rías Baixas region.

With a focus on minimal invasive viticulture and native yeast fermentation, Bodegas Granbazan maintains a deep respect for the land, producing a range of premium wines that boast an unmistakably saline finish, perfect for pairing with seafood. They invite you to explore their vineyards, taste its exquisite offerings, and immerse themselves in the art of winemaking.

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