In a land renowned for red wine, a white beauty is beginning to take center stage. Albariño, the name of the wine and the grape, has a centuries-old history. But it is only in the past 20 years that it has evolved into the finest white wine of Spain, and the world is taking notice.
Albariño originates in Rias Baixas in Galicia, the far northwest region of Spain. The wines that come from this land blanketed in green and blessed with a mild climate are dry, zesty and brimming with attractive fruit flavors and refreshing acidity. Yet, while they are all born of the same grape, each has its own personality.
Martín Códax Albariño 2004, for example, is mineral-ladened with a burst of citrus, melon and fresh apples. Valdamor Vintage Selection Albariño 2003 is complex, succulent, a bounty of pear and pineapple. And Coto de Xiabre’s Maior de Mendoza 2004 is bright, focused and keenly aromatic. Bodegas La Val offers two winners — the sprightly and melony La Val Albariño 2004; and Finca de Arantei 2004, intense, lightly herbal and minerally, smooth and silky.
The outstanding Pazo de Señoráns 2004 is a quintessential Albariño, all lemon, lime and peach. From the same winery, its fabulous Rias Baixas de Señoráns Selección de Añada 2001, made from the 45-year-old vines of a single vineyard, is concentrated, complex and rich.
Marqués de Vizhoja Torre La Moreira 2004 is another single vineyard Albariño that captures the grape’s character with its good acidity and evocative fruit flavors. The vibrant Condes de Albarei 2004 displays a beautiful balance of fruit and acidity. Also from Condes de Albarei, there is the ripe, generous 2004 Enxebre (“homemade” in Galician), made from 40-year-old vines. The most exciting of the wines Bodegas As Laxas makes is Bágoa do Miño 2004. It is bright, well-structured, with a medley of fruit, especially pineapple and melon.
Among the many charms of Albariño is that most sell for less than $20 and they are ready to drink when you buy them. Savor Albariño with seafood, salads, tapas, appetizers. Or by itself. It is the perfect summer wine.
Read This Next
November 2006 Cover
2006 / November 2006
Nov 1, 2006
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedGlobal City Guidebook 2025
Jul 12, 2025Expanded Cell Service Coming to More NYC Subway Trains
New Yorkers will be thrilled to learn more cell service will soon be available on parts of select trains in New York City. MTA officials announced the expanded service will come to the 4 and 5 train tunnels from Bowling Green in Manhattan to Borough Hall in Brooklyn.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Cruises
Jul 12, 2025Windstar Debuts Exclusive Air + Hotel Cruise Offer
Have your Polynesian dreams come true with Windstar Cruises’ new Air + Hotel offer. Receive complimentary economy airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT) on select 2025/2026 Air + Hotel cruise packages, a value of up to $1,500 per person.
Global City Guidebook 2025
Jul 11, 2025Step Lively in Fashionable Sneakers Designed for City Walking
Morgen Trainers, Black-Gum Colombian craftsmanship meets European-inspired style in Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers. Handmade in Bogotá with full-grain Italian leather exterior and ultra-soft Vachetta leather lining (feel free to go sockless), these low-profile sneakers feature sturdy, vulcanized rubber soles and plush internal padding to withstand all-day city walking. The black-gum colorway feels timeless, but with five additional combinations to choose from, it’s easy to add some of your own personality while maintaining a neutral look that travels well with a variety of outfits. With slow fashion roots and lasting construction, they’re built to go the distance. $270.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Airlines
Jul 11, 2025Cathay Pacific Launches World’s Best Economy Class Sale
Cathay Pacific celebrates its recent recognition as a Top 3 World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Economy Class in 2025’s Skytrax World Airline Awards with a one-of-a-kind deal.
Park Hyatt Johannesburg Opens
Daily
Jul 11, 2025How to Spend a Summer in Cyprus
Daily
Jul 10, 2025The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago Celebrates 50 Years
Daily
Jul 10, 2025Global City Guidebook: British Virgin Islands
July 2025
Jul 10, 2025Daily
Jul 10, 2025The Oberoi Group Introduces Elements by Oberoi
The Oberoi Group recently reaffirmed its commitment to building a future anchored in sustainability by introducing Elements by Oberoi, a holistic environmental and social responsibility framework.
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
Daily
Jul 9, 20255 Fabulous Hotel Breakfasts Around the World
These fabulous hotels around the world prove breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
ShareThis