Albarino comes from the Riax Baixas designated wine area of Spain, in the province of Galicia, in what is known as “Green Spain”. It is cool and wet here, and the wine grapes tend to hold their acidity due to the cooler temperatures. If you were to continue a bit south, and cross the border into Portugal, you would encounter the same grape. There it would be called Alvarinho. The Portuguese versions tend to be lighter, sharper and less expensive.
Here we have the Spanish version, and this is a wine built for food. I must say I did also enjoy just sipping it on a hot, summer afternoon as well. Let’s take a look.
Wine: 2020 Pazo Cilleiro Albarino
Winery Location: Rias Baixas D.O., Spain
Tasted By: Neil Date: July 2021
Tasting Notes: The color is a greenish hued yellow gold. On the nose you get citrus and some peach. The nose is clean, not overly vibrant or expressive though. In the mouth there is some texture and body to this wine. The citrus comes through, and it is actually quite elegant. Long and clean, this finishes with a touch of lemon. It is a very enjoyable wine.
Price Point – MSRP of $19.99
Would We Buy It? – We would. This is really well made.
This is a significant white wine, one which will pair well with any seafood, and a lot of spicy Asian dishes as well. We enjoyed it with baked cod. If I had a dozen oysters on the half shell that would have been a match made in heaven. Or just sip it. Either way this is a quality driven white and a Value List wine.
A votre santé!
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