Albariño

Albarinho (Alvarinho) is an increasing international white variety originating from from Spain’s Atlantic North West, famously Rias Baixas. Local legend once mistook it for the foreign Riesling grape, which seems plausible with its citrus fruit and crisp acidity. But unlike Riesling its more drink-young appeal includes delicate white peach character and a jasmine floral nature, as well as mineral flavours that can be stony and steely but also sometimes a little salty. Called Alvarinho in Portugal its light body makes it perfect for a style that deserves to show up more often in Antipodean afternoons - deliciously crisp and lightly sparkling whites under the Vinho Verde label.