Albariño Grape Essentials

Join me as we immerse ourselves in the flavors, aromas, sounds, and experience of northwestern Spain. We’ve launched The Wine Ship’s first Grape Crash Course on the podcast today with a feature on one of my favorite white wine grape varieties: Albariño.

While discussing climate, soil, and farming are important to deepening our understanding of wine, I prefer to take an approach focused on the lifestyle and enjoyment of the wine. Together, we’ll uncover where and how a grape, style, or category fits into your wine-loving life.

We’re going beyond the technical to a full sensory experience that you can create on your own. It starts with listening to this week’s episode of The Wine Ship Podcast to establish your base knowledge of the Albariño grape.

Then, you’ll find a few beautiful images to look at and relate to the content on the podcast here on the blog. Next, I want you to taste some wines made from this grape!

I’ve curated a list of options that you can order online from Wine.com to experience different expressions of the grape. You’ll feel different textures on your palate as you taste different styles and expressions of the grape from different regions.

Listen to the episode

Food + Wine

We can’t create a full sensory experience without a food pairing. I’ve created a delicious, easy recipe for you to pair with the wines: a spin on the classic ‘Almejas al Vino Blanco’ or Clams in White Wine. The aromas of shallot, garlic, tomato, and fresh clams will fill your home with smells to rival any restaurant.

Together with the wines, you’ll feel transported to the coastal climates Albariño thrives in.

Explore the Region

This map shows the region of Galicia overlooking the Atlantic. As you can see, Rias Baixas consists of three subzones: Val do Salnés, Condado do Tea, and O Rosal.

Grapegrowing

Next, take a peek at an example of a trellis system used to bring the grapes and canopy up above the ground where moisture might otherwise result in mildew and rot.

Take a closer look

Finally, an image from the team at Wine Folly gives you a look at the typical pale straw color of the wine and a look at a bunch of Albariño with its thick, green skin.

Mistaken Identity: Albariño in Australia

Our friends in Australia thought they had Albariño planted but in 2009 a French visitor became suspicious that things might not be as they appeared to the Aussies. As it turned out, they had planted Savagnin, a variety mostly found in the Jura region of France. Today, Australia has actual Albariño planted, but only in about 25 vineyards around the country.

Can you name another case of mistaken grape identity in the world of wine?! Drop your comments below!

Set the Mood!

I’ve curated a gorgeous playlist of Spanish-speaking music to enjoy with your eating, drinking, and learning experience.

With the table set and the wine flowing the final piece is a sexy collection of tunes to complete the immersion.

Explore my favorite Albariño wines