An Introduction to Albarino
Albarino is a white variety widely planted in Rias Baixas, in North West Spain, as well as in Vinho Verde, where it is known as Alvarinho. The grape is noted for its apricot and peach aroma, similar to that of Viognier or Petit Manseng. Wines are generally light, with lower levels of alcohol. and high in acidity. Albarino is now produced throughout California and was thought to be planted in Australia. However, it was discovered that wine makers in Australia have been supplying and selling wrongly labeled Albarino for over a decade. They thought they were producing wine from the Spanish grape, but discovered they had inadvertently been sold cuttings of the French Savagnin grape instead.