Albarino Festival

During the first week of August, Albariño is celebrated in the Galicia town of Cambados, Spain. Homage is paid to this amazing white wine by people from all over the world.

Albariño and common food pairing (Credit: Krystal Wen)

Brief history

The Albariño festival was inspired by the challenge between two men, Bernardo Quintanilla and Ernesto Zarate, in 1952, who competed to claim who made the best wine of the year. This celebration also goes by the name Fiesta del Albariño during the week leading up to the first Sunday of August each year. On the last day of the Albario festival, celebrations are held in honor of International Albario Day.

Aromatic grape variety

Albariño is known for its aromatic qualities, with a bouquet dominated by floral notes such as honeysuckle, jasmine and orange blossom, along with citrus and tropical fruit aromas. On the palate, Albariño has a crisp acidity with flavors of lemon, lime, honeydew, apple, peach and almond.

Sense of place

Albariño is primarily grown in the Rías Baixas of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. The soils in Rías Baixas are predominantly granitic, with varying degrees of acidity and minerality. These well-drained, mineral-rich soils contribute to the distinctive character of the wine. Albariño from Rías Baixas is well known for its refreshing acidity and hint of oyster shell character. The unique soil and growing environment provide a unique sense of place, aka “terroir”.

Albariño is also found in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal. The grape is also grown in other parts of Spain, as well as in California and Australia. In Portugal, the grape is known as Alvarinho, and it is usually blended with white varieties such as Arinto, Azal, and Loureiro. In California and Australia, it is usually made as a single-variety wine.

Perfectly paired with seafood

Albariño is a great pairing for seafood dishes, especially those with a spicy kick. For example, its acidity helps to cut through the heat of a spicy shrimp stir-fry, while its light body and mineral notes complement the delicate flavor of the seafood. Another great pairing for Albariño is spicy mussel soup, as the acidity of the wine complements the rich, creamy broth, while its fruit notes add brightness to the dish.

The wine’s crispness also makes it a great choice for sushi, salads, and fried dishes such as tempura. It can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif.

Find an Albariño you may like on VinoVoss and let’s celebrate Albariño festival together.

click here to find a Albariño wine you like

Cheers!

by Krystal Wen