Greed is good when it comes to Albariño from Rías Baixas. Trust me, it would be foolish to deny yourself the pleasure of sipping this charming white wine from Galicia, also known as "Green Spain" because of its lush landscape. Galicia's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, unique climate, and mineral-rich soils imbue Albariño grapes from Rías Baixas with impressive freshness, crispness, minerality, and salinity. And it's not surprising that the finest expressions of Albariño hail from Rías Baixas; the grape is indigenous to the region.
image courtesy of Rías Baixas wines
Within the Rías Baixas DO (Denomination of Origin), there are five sub-regions with unique micro-climates that produce wines with subtle differences. Easy-breezy expressions of Albariño may be the most familiar but other styles are also available, including sparkling and aged. There's nothing boring about Rías Baixas Albariño; these are white wines with presence, personality, and panache. Aromatic, fruity, crisp, and dry; Albariño from Rías Baixas merits a place in your glass. I recommend exploring Albariño from Rías Baixas with these four fantastic wines. Cheers!
Terras Gauda O Rosal 2017 ($24)
A seductively aromatic blend of Albariño (70%), Caiño Blanco (22%), and Loureiro (8%). Rich and intense with hints of ripe peach.
Vionta Albariño 2017 ($15)
100% Albariño. Creamy with a tinge of salinity and lively flavors of lemon and green tea.
100% Albariño, Paco & Lola 2012 ($50) shows that Albariño has the capacity to age beautifully. Rich and round with good acidity, it is a harmonious tapestry of ripe fruit flavors with a tinge of cream, toast, and salinity.
Albariño gets the sparkling treatment in Sensum Laxas 2017 ($48). Made in the traditional champagne method, this elegant expression of 100% Albariño grapes has delicate bubbles and hints of honey and brioche.
