Albariño

• Color: White
• Grape Parentage: unconfirmed (genetic testing suggests a close relationship with Loureiro and a parental relationship with Caíño Blanco)
• Place of Origin: Galicia/Minho (a competing theory suggests that Albariño is a Riesling clone, brought to the region by monks traveling from Germany along the Camino de Santiago, or Pilgrims’ Road, but modern DNA study does not support this)
• Origin of Grape Name: “White wine from the Rhein” (“alba” + “riño”)
• Major Countries of Production:
  • Spain: 5,320 hectares (2007, Observatorio español del Mercado del Vino/OeMV)
    • Galicia
  • Portugal: 2,340 ha (2010, Wine Grapes)
    • Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço subzone)
  • Note: DNA evidence has conclusively proven that “Albariño” in Australia is actually Savagnin
• Synonyms:
  • Spain: Galego, Azal Blanco, Albelleiro, Alvarin Blanco
  • Portugal: Alvarinho, Galeguinho
• Viticultural Characteristics: Susceptible to Downy and Powdery Mildew, Moderate Vigor, Early- to Mid-Ripening, 
• Preferred Soil Type: sand and alluvial topsoils with rocky subsoil (such as granite)
• Common Blending Partners: Treixadura, Loureiro, Caíño Blanco

Typical Descriptors and Structure for Rías Baixas Albariño
(without barrique) 

• Visual: Pale Straw with Hints of Green, Moderate Minus Concentration, Slight Residual Gas (in youth)
• Aromas/Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
  • Fruit: Ripe Citrus (Orange, Meyer Lemon, Ruby Red Grapefruit), Stone Fruit (White Peach, Peach Pit, Apricot, Nectarine), Green Apple, Melon
  • Floral: White and Yellow Flowers, Citrus and Apple Blossoms
  • Other: Bubblegum, Agave, Slight Beer Yeast, Leesy, Saline, Possible ML fermentation
  • Earth: Moderate Plus Minerality
  • Oak: None

Structure: Dry, Moderate Body, Elevated Acidity, Moderate Alcohol, Phenolic Bitterness