Definition: albariño

Various experiments have recently been conducted to ferment and age wine in wood in order to better exploit its qualities and aroma.
The native Albariño grape has conquered the world with its seductive aromas, producing floral and intensely fruity white wines with a smooth and persistent flavour. Today, they are a triumph both inside and outside Spain.
Albariño is the most prominent of Spanish white wines. These whites have won numerous awards in the most prestigious wine competitions and have rightly gained renown both within and beyond Spain's borders. Their commercial success is evident, despite their higher price compared to other whites in the country. It should be noted that they have received a magnificent ovation on the American market.
Albariño wines are produced almost exclusively in the Rías Baixas D.O. (Pontevedra, Galicia) from a grape variety native to the Iberian Peninsula that has conquered the world with its seductive aromas: Albariño. Like almost all Galician and Portuguese vineyards, its history dates back to Roman colonisation of the Atlantic coast of the peninsula and the Miño and Sil river valleys. It is a vigorous vine with yields of around 10,000 kg per hectare. It is perfectly suited to the Atlantic climate of Galicia, but attempts to grow it in other latitudes have been unsuccessful. Mild temperatures, the proximity of ocean air and high rainfall, while still maintaining good sunshine during the vine's growing cycle, are the conditions conducive to its ripening.
However, Albariño grapes are not only used in Rías Baixas. Many of the white wines from this appellation include other indigenous grapes such as Caiño Blanco, Loureiro and Treixadura.
Single-varietal wines - made exclusively with Albariño - have a bright straw yellow colour. They have fine, distinguished floral and fruity aromas, are fresh and light on the palate, with sufficient body and alcohol content. Their acidity is balanced and they have multiple nuances. On the other hand, those that include other varieties are wines with intense aromas and light acidity. They fill the mouth well and are pleasant and appealing. In any case, those produced in Rías Baixas are perfect for tasting, both as an aperitif and during a meal accompanied by fish, with the salty flavours of shellfish and crustaceans and with seafood cuisine in general.