The wine guy: 6 Albarinos

What’s one of the hottest grapes (and wines) right now? You say you haven’t heard of Albarino? A little background: albarino is a grape variety grown mostly in Spain in the Rias Baixas region; although it’s also grown in Portugal, Australia and increasingly in the United States. It usually produces a white wine of light to medium body with a distinct citrus and floral character and a medium alcohol content. Albarino also tends to be very dry and very crisp, sometimes bordering on tart. It goes very well with seafood, some curries and even lighter meat dishes. Each of the 6 wines we tasted were very similar in character, with the more expensive having a bit more complexity. So if you like your wine dry, crisp and citrusy, try some of these. Serve well chilled.

2012 Condes de Albarei Albarino $11.60, 12.5% alc. Spain

Yellow color, round in the mouth with citrus, lemon and grass flavors. Rather simple.

2012 Paco & Lola Albarino $14.50 12.5% alc. Spain

Medium to full bodied. Crisp and clean. Hints of lemon meringue (believe it or not).

2013 Martin Codax Albarino $14.50, 12.5% alc. Spain

Floral nose with citrus, pineapple, peaches and green apples.

2013 Terras Gauda Albarino $22.60, 12.5% alc. Spain

Hints of flowers, citrus, lemon and pear. Would go well with grilled seafood, shrimp, and langostinos.

2013 Santiago Ruiz Albarino $23.75, 13.5% alc. Spain

Honey nose with lots of citrus, ripe peaches, pear and orange blossoms.

2012 Pazo Baion Albarino $25.00, 13% alc. Spain

Very unique and beautiful bottle shape. Honey, citrus, flower blossoms. A bit of earth and minerality make this a very interesting wine. Nice long finish. Highly Recommended

M. Stefan has over 20 years experience in the wine trade and has traveled extensively throughout the wine producing regions of the world.  His column is a regular feature of La Playa Community. He can be reached at mark@playacommunity.com and appreciates your comments.