ALVARINHO

In the world of white wines, some grapes stand out for their elegance, complexity, and ability to express terroir in a unique way. Alvarinho, with its roots in the Minho region of Portugal and its growing global popularity, is one of them. If you appreciate white wines with intense aromas, vibrant acidity, and a mineral touch, Alvarinho is a grape that deserves to be known and appreciated.

Its Lusitanian Roots and Expansion to Galicia

Alvarinho has its roots in the Minho region of northwestern Portugal, where it has been cultivated for centuries and used to produce high-quality white wines. However, its popularity has expanded to Galicia, in Spain, where it is known as Albariño. This geographical and cultural proximity has contributed to the grape's dissemination and recognition of its qualities in both countries.

Distinctive Characteristics of its Wine

Appearance

• Color: Alvarinho's color ranges from a light straw yellow to a pale gold, with greenish reflections, depending on the wine's aging time and vinification style.

• Grape: Alvarinho grapes are small to medium in size, with a thick skin and yellowish-green color.

Aroma

• Fruits: Typical Alvarinho aromas include fresh citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, white fruits like apple and pear, and tropical fruits like passion fruit and pineapple.

• Floral Notes: Notes of flowers like orange blossom, jasmine, and honeysuckle are striking characteristics of Alvarinho, adding complexity and elegance to the aroma.

• Others: On some occasions, mineral nuances like wet stone and flint, as well as herbaceous notes like bay leaf and rosemary, can be perceived.

Palate

• Body: Alvarinho generally produces medium to full-bodied wines, with soft and velvety tannins.

• Acidity: Alvarinho's acidity is high, contributing to the wine's feeling of freshness and liveliness.

• Finish: Alvarinho's finish is usually long and persistent, with the fruity, floral, and mineral flavors lingering for a while.

Versatility and Adaptability

Alvarinho is a grape that adapts very well to cold and humid climates, such as those in the Minho and Galicia regions. However, its popularity has expanded to other wine regions of the world, where it demonstrates its ability to produce wines with unique and unmistakable characteristics. Furthermore, Alvarinho can be used both in the production of varietal wines (made with only one type of grape) and in blends with other grape varieties, such as Loureiro and Trajadura.

Featured Regions

• Minho: Minho, in Portugal, is Alvarinho's most emblematic region, where it gives rise to fresh, aromatic, and mineral white wines.

• Galicia: Galicia, in Spain, also stands out in the production of Alvarinho (Albariño), with wines characterized by their aromatic intensity, tropical fruit notes, and high acidity.

• Other Regions: Alvarinho is also cultivated in other regions of the world, such as California, Uruguay, and New Zealand, giving rise to wines with varied styles and unique personalities.

Pairing

Alvarinho is an excellent companion for various dishes, thanks to its vibrant acidity and complex aromatic profile.

• Seafood: Fresh fish and seafood, such as oysters, shrimp, and grilled white fish, harmonize very well with Alvarinho.

• Salads: Light salads with green leaves, citrus fruits, and seafood are excellent options to accompany Alvarinho.

• Cheeses: Fresh and light cheeses, such as goat cheese and buffalo mozzarella, are good options to harmonize with Alvarinho.

• Asian Cuisine: Asian cuisine dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, and ceviche, are also good options to harmonize with Alvarinho.