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Albariño is a white grape variety native to the Galicia region in northwest Spain, particularly in the Rías Baixas. Its history dates back centuries, although its precise origins are somewhat murky. It is believed that Albariño was introduced to Galicia by the Cistercian monks during the Middle Ages. The name "Albariño" is thought to be derived from the Galician words "alba"(meaning "white") and "riño" (referring to theRhine), suggesting a possible Germanic origin. Some theories suggest that it might have been brought to Galicia by traders or pilgrims traveling along the Camino de Santiago. For much of its history, Albariño was primarily cultivated in small vineyards in the Rías Baixas region, where its cultivation was often combined with other agricultural activities. However, it wasn't until the latter half of the 20th century that Albariño began to gain recognition as a premium grape variety. Rías Baixas is situated along the Atlantic coast of Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain. The region's terroir is characterized by its maritime influence, with cool temperatures, high humidity, and significant rainfall. The soils are predominantly granitic, providing excellent drainage and imparting mineral nuances to the wines. The combination of these factors creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of Albariño. The history of Alvarinho in Portugal shares similarities with its Spanish counterpart, but it has its own unique story. The exact origins of Alvarinho are debated, but it is believed to have ancient roots in the region that spans across northern Portugal and northwestern Spain. Like Albariño, Alvarinho may have been introduced to the region by the ancient Romans or possibly even earlier settlers. In Portugal, Alvarinho is most prominently associated with the Vinho Verde region, particularly in the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço. This area is located in the northern part of Minho, near the border with Spain's Galicia region. Alvarinho has been cultivated here for centuries, often in small family-owned vineyards. Similar to the efforts in Rías Baixas, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in Alvarinho in Portugal. Winemakers have been focusing on producing high-quality varietal wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the grape and the region. Like Rias Baixas, Vinho Verde is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in mild temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall throughout the year that prevents grapes from being scorched by the sun.. The wines often exhibit intense aromas, crisp acidity, and a mineral-driven complexity. So even though these wines share a grape and possibly a history, the unique terroir, only a few miles apart, has a large influence over the wine. Both are fantastic examples of white wine from the Iberian coast, it is up to you to decide which is your favourite!
Albariño Bernon Bodegas Aquitania, Rias Baixas, 2023
Vibrant, crisp and citrusy
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Soalheiro Alvarinho, Vinho Verde, 2023
Fruity, mineral and aromatic
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Albariño Premium Bodegas Aquitania, Rias Baixas, 2023
Vibrant, crisp and citrusy
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Luz Alvarinho, Vinho Verde, 2022
Citrus and pineapple
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