Today is World Albariño Day – August 1st. I have a soft spot for random wine holidays, so I’m celebrating by using it as an excuse to enjoy one of my favorite white wines all weekend. Consider this your heads-up (sort of) – now go grab something crisp and briny from your nearest wine shop or supermarket.
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Albariño was once thought to have been brought to Spain by French monks, but that theory has been debunked. Instead, it’s now believed to be an ancient grape native to the Iberian coast, with a thick skin that helps it resist diseases common in humid climates. (In northern Portugal, it’s called alvarinho and is key to making the easy-drinking vinho verde.)
Albariño wines are bright, acidic, and marked by a distinct mineral salinity. Most are unoaked, though some producers are experimenting with barrel aging to add depth. While these richer versions can age a bit longer, most albariño is best enjoyed young.
Why celebrate in August? Probably because it’s the perfect summer wine – refreshing and versatile, especially with seafood. That makes sense given its roots in Galicia and other coastal regions where seafood dominates the cuisine.
A Galician friend describes albariño as having aguja (“needle”) – a lively acidity that makes it electric alongside simple seafood, especially when cooked in saltwater, as they do in Galicia.
“It’s my go-to picnic wine,” says Jeff Koren, wine director at The Chancery Rosewood in Mayfair, who once worked a harvest at famed Bodegas Albamar. “I love it with crudités, Greek salad, or prosciutto and melon. The richer, barrel-aged styles are great for summer meals.”
Albariño thrives in coastal climates, so it’s now grown in places like New Zealand, California, and South America, offering plenty of options for your celebrations. (Apologies for the late notice – but this holiday will likely come around again!)
### Four Albariños to Try:
– M&S Albariño Uruguay (£10, 12%) – Saline and peachy, from Uruguay’s coast.
– Adega de Monção Trajarinho Vinho Verde (£11.95, 12%) – A classic Portuguese blend of alvarinho and trajadura.
– Anna’s Way Nelson Albariño (£11.95, 14%) – A zesty New Zealand take with orchard fruit notes.
– Bodegas Albamar Albariño (£28, 12%) – A natural, experimental style from a top producer.
