Albariño Is Taking Over the World. These Top-Rated Bottles Span the Globe.

If refreshing, high-acid whites are generally what you reach for (looking at you, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling lovers), then Albariño promises to be right up your alley. Native to the Iberian Peninsula, this zesty and crisp wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, yet remains light-on-its feet enough to enjoy without a full meal on deck.

Albariño: From the Iberian Peninsula to the Rest of the World

Albariño is a white grape variety native to and most commonly grown in northwest Spain (Galicia specifically), as well as the northwestern Portuguese regions of Monção and Melgaço, where it goes by the name Alvarinho.

It is frequently vinified as a monovarietal wine, though sometimes blended with the white grape Loureiro in inexpensive styles, which are often fruity and crisp. 

Structurally, Albariño is characterized by high levels of natural acidity and thick skins, which allow it to grow well in humid, maritime-influenced regions. 

As producers around the world look for grape varietals that can adapt to warmer climates, many have been experimenting with Albariño.

A Floral, Tropical Wine with Racy Acidity

Albariño wine is dry, with a lean structure and aromas of citrus (specifically lemon, lime and grapefruit); honeysuckle; orange zest; yellow apple and mango, plus a bit of saline-driven minerality. Albariño styles may vary from producer to producer—some may err on the citrusy and herbaceous side, whereas others may be more floral and tropical.

“The thing that makes Albariño really fun to drink is that there is a nice juxtaposition of the floral and tropical aromatics versus the tart, racy acidity on the palate,” says Chris Gaither, master sommelier and wine director at Ungrafted SF and GluGlu in San Francisco. 

Pairing Albariño with Food

The high levels of acidity and fruit-forward nature of Albariño wines make it an excellent pairing with a variety of fresh foods, from herbaceous green salads to salty fish-based dishes, seafood towers and more. Tinned fish, oysters, simply-prepared shellfish, milder white fish, the Galician octopus dish pulpo a la gallega and similar offerings all pair well.

In addition to seafood, the wines’ acidity and texture also pair beautifully with Vietnamese and Thai dishes, as well as a variety of soft cheeses.

Serving Albariño

Max Working, portfolio manager for Spain, Portugal and Greece for Skurnik Wines, explains that Albariño is best enjoyed chilled but not too cold, and generally either as an apéritif or (ideally) with something from the sea.

Travis Padilla, the New York City-based sommelier at The Wine & Hip Hop Show and Il Buco, agrees. He believes it’s best enjoyed chilled, with good company, on a hot day. “It has the ability to transport you to the Spanish Coastline with its briny, citrus qualities—a literal vacation in a glass,” he says.

Gaither is a bit more specific in his temperature preferences, serving Albariño somewhere around the 46-degree Fahrenheit mark. This allows the wine’s freshness and citrus flavors to shine. “Pop open a bottle at a table full of food and friends to get them hooked, and also get the party going,” he says. “And don’t forget to invite me!”

We’ve rounded up a few of our top-rated Albariño bottles from around the world below. So uncork a bottle, pour a glass and enjoy.

Spain

Albariño grows around the world today, but scientists believe the grape originated in the Rias Baixas region on Spain’s Atlantic coast. Expressions from this area are all-time favorites for Tonya Pitts, a sommelier who has worked in fine dining for over 30 years and reviewer of wines from California for Wine Enthusiast. 

“Its fog, rolling hills, and landscape are reminiscent of Ireland with its seaside influence along the Atlantic Ocean,” Pitts says. “The soil is decomposed granite, so the vineyards have excellent drainage, and the vines are happy. There is an incredible amount of rainfall, and it snows in the winter. Doesn’t that sound like a groovy, mystical place to grow grapes?”

Pitts notes that Albariño grown in this region is “high-energy and vibrant with aromas of Mexican lime, Meyer lemon, green guava and notes of green apple, dried herbs, sedimentary rock and saline on the nose,” she says. “The flavors on the palate repeat the nose with a mouth-watering mixture of youthful fruit, high acid and mineral goodness. Super refreshing.” 

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

Pazo de Barrantes 2018 La Comtesse Albariño (Rías Baixas)

Medium straw to the eye, this wine has a nose of Gala apple, butterscotch and slivered almond. It is full textured and offers a complex balance of citrus-fruit flavors, acidity and notes of toasted hazelnut. Brilliant orange and lemon flavors linger on the palate with just a kiss of vanilla. 95 points. Editor’s Choice. — Mike DeSimone $150 Mission Liquors

Granbazán 2019 Veigalobos Albariño Albariño (Rías Baixas)

Clear yellow with golden highlights, this wine has a nose of star fruit, pineapple and flan. It fills the mouth with flavors of Gala apple, Seckel pear, butterscotch, aniseed and lavender. Between its full texture, soft acidity and complex flavor profile, it makes for a beautiful sip. Drink through 2029. 95 points. — M.D. $84 Hill Side Vineyards

Amodiño 2019 Albariño (Rías Baixas)

This bright yellow colored wine has aromas of lemon curd, citrus blossom and crème caramel. Flavors of lemon curd, pineapple, star fruit, dried thyme and a tiny hint of flan are wrapped in a sheath of spirited acidity that lingers on the tongue and gums. 94 points. — M.D. $35 Waterford Wine

Bodegas Del Palacio Fefiñanes 2021 Albariño de Fefiñanes III Año Albariño (Rías Baixas)

This wine has aromas of lemongrass, lemon thyme and grapefruit. Grapefruit and lemongrass transition to the palate and are joined by peach, dried thyme, sage leaf and rose petal flavors. Aging on the lees adds a nice texture and slightly brambly, dried herb flavors to lively acidity and brilliant fruit flavors. 94 points. — M.D. $70 Timeless Wines