Thursday, May 12, 2016

Six Top Albariño Selections From Spain’s Rías Baixas Region

Rías Baixas, a coastal region in the northwest of Spain, is home to the country’s most famous white grape: Albariño. Here are six picks sure to delight.



How To Enjoy Albariño


In recent months we have been exploring Albariño. This crisp white wine has been perfected in the Rías Baixas DO (Denominación de Origen) of Spain.

During our recent trip to Spain, the greatness of Rías Baixas, in the green fields and rocky coasts of Galicia, was amply demonstrated. The Albariño and local seafood were simply off the charts with excellence.

Back home I’ve had the chance to sample quite a few Albariño courtesy of Rías Baixas Wines and the Wine Studio online education program. When selecting an Albariño, the first step is to ensure it is from Rías Baixas.
There are a few other places (some in Spain and some in Portugal) that produce Albariño, but none do it as well. Wines from Rías Baixas capture the sea spray and granite from their unique locale.

Food is an important part of the Spanish lifestyle, so I’d suggest you have fun with some creative pairings with your Albariño. The Green Dragon prepared an array of creative dishes to go with our Albariño including Crusted Shrimp with Spicy Black Beans and Saffron Sauce and also pulpo (octopus) in a chipotle sauce.

 

Six Albariño to delight your senses


Adega Eidos, 2014 Eidos de Padriñan DO Rías Baixas – Named after the small family vineyards prevalent in Rías Baixas. Light bodied with mineral notes. Fresh, well-balanced acidity. Lime and tropical fruit.SRP $17.

Bodegas La Val, 2014 La Val DO Rías Baixas - Condado do Tea – This is a one-note wine, but that note is very good. Light yellow in the glass, fresh sunshine on the palate. Citrus flavors with a dash of honey. SRP $17.

Bouza do Rei, 2015 Lagar de Bouza DO Rías Baixas – Lightly acidic. Floral and fruity bouquet. A slice of lemon and twist of lime. SRP $16. 

Terras Gauda, 2014 Terras Gauda O Rosal DO Rías Baixas – Shows that a blend (70% Albariño, 20% Loureira, 10% Caiño Blanco) can deliver beautiful complexity. Peach and orange flavor notes with a beautiful honey finish. SRP $24.

Veiga Naum, 2014 Veiga Naum DO Rías Baixas – Awash with lime flavors. Elegant yet bold. Won us over by the end of the evening. SRP $15.

Xion (Attis Bodega y Viñedos) 2014 DO Rías Baixas – A favorite. Golden in color. Stylish and balanced with a primary note of honeysuckle. Nice complexity with luscious acidity. SRP $14.


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