Where is Albariño predominantly grown?

a) Rías Baixas
b) Lodi
c) Tuscany
d) Rioja

Answer:
a) Rías Baixas

Albariño is Spain’s gift to the white wine world. It’s predominantly grown in the upper NW corner of Spain in an area called Rías Baixas. The styles from this area can vary. Don’t get me wrong, the wines are of very good to high quality because the demand for this grape has grown over the past few years and is quite posh. But the style, meaning light and dry, varies from wines produced in stainless steel with very little process that needs to be drunk within 18 months of production (the customary way they are produced) to ones that have been put through malolactic fermentation, along with being aged in barrels that have some longevity attached to it. Both can be dry and crisp with signature peach tones, but body levels can vary a little.

In either style, you should reach for seafood to compliment the presence of Chardonnay, the slight aromatics related to Sauvignon Blanc and the mineral notes similar to Riesling. Albaríno is grown in other areas of the world (like California and Australia) but the best are from Spain.

This month, we have a formidable competitor from California—Odisea Wines from Lodi. Odisea showcases how good Albariño can be outside of Spain and reiterates Wine Unleashed’s mission—bringing small production/hard to find wines to you.