Celebrating the Albariño Grape - an Aromatic Powerhouse!

As summer reaches its peak, it’s the perfect time to raise a glass to one of Spain’s most famed white wines – Albariño.

Marking International Albariño Day on 1st August, we will be celebrating this captivating and aromatic variety on Saturday 2nd August at our Tasting Bench, where you can explore its vivid, fresh, food-friendly character for yourself.

A Heritage Rooted in Galicia

Albariño originates from Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain. Here, in the cool, misty vineyards of the Rías Baixas region, the grape has been cultivated for centuries. The name itself derives from the Galician word albar, meaning “white,” and it perfectly captures the wine’s pale hue and bright profile. Although Albariño has long been a part of local winemaking traditions, it wasn’t until the 1980s that it began to gain wider acclaim, thanks to a renewed focus on quality and regional identity.

Across the border in northern Portugal, the same grape is known as Alvarinho, where it contributes to the fresh, lively wines of the Vinho Verde region. While the names may differ, the character of the grape remains the same, giving a delicious complexity of flavours and aromas.

Fragrant, Crisp and Perfect with Seafood

Albariño has a really distinctive flavour, giving pronounced notes of ripe stone fruits such as white peach and apricot, complimented by zesty citrus and a saline minerality which is why it pairs so beautifully with fish. On the palate, Albariño is typically dry, medium-bodied and wonderfully fresh, with bright acidity and a clean, persistent finish.

A celebration of aroma, freshness and coastal charm – Albariño deserves your attention this August. Visit us on Saturday 2nd August to try a taste of the Albanta Albariño, and explore other Albariño wines here.