Posts filed under ‘White Wine’
Yummy Spanish White . . .
There are cults and there are wine cults. One is called “ABC” (Anything But Chardonnay). If you’re a member, I’ve got some very good news for you. Allow me to introduce a new best wine friend, Albarino, Spain’s rarest, most expensive white wine.
In my opinion, and here the wife goes along, Albarinos combine the best of Chardonnay and Riesling – with intense aromas of peaches, apricots and almonds and a touch of citrus all wrapped in a creamy, rich texture.
I discovered Albarino on a winery tour in Span and immediately got on the phone to my Chicago restaurant, Geja’s Café, and asked the manager to locate a good one for our wine list.
Northwest Spain’s Rias Baixas (ree-ahss bee-shas – it gets easier with each glass) is where you’ll find Albarinos. The region was originally settled by the Celts of Ireland (and Brittany) and their influence is apparent in historic buildings, traditional costumes and the local music. The Moors never made it that far north, so with the exception of language, the region has more in common with Brittany than with most of Spain. The entire western border sits along the Atlantic Ocean.
The area is damp and cool. Grapes are trellised by laying them flat, parallel to the ground in a “pergola” so that each cluster captures as much sunshine as possible. Albarinos produce beautifully balanced wines that are high in alcohol with ripe flavors and crisp acidity. Most of the vineyards are tiny family plots adjacent to homes. Grapes are sold to several co-ops which do the majority of fermenting, bottling and marketing.
Although Albarinos are expensive relative to other Spanish wines, some of the best Albarinos can be found in the US for around $25. Worth checking out, especially if you’re in the ABC mood.
Kind regards,
John Davis, founder, Wine Insiders
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