Albariño or Alvarinho is a variety of white wine grapes grown in Galicia, Monção, and Melgaço, where it is used to make varietal white wines. Albariño is the Galician name for the grape; in Portugal, it is known as Alvarinho, and sometimes as Cainho Branco. The grape is noted for its distinctive botanical aroma, very similar to that of Viognier, Gewurztraminer, and Petit Manseng, suggesting apricot and peach. The wine produced is unusually light, and generally high in acidity with alcohol levels of 11.5–12.5% Its thick skins and a large number of pips can cause residual bitterness.
From Rui Abecassis, founder of Obrigado €œNortico Alvarinho. It’s a project that began on the family’s small tile atelier, reflecting the bottle’s label. This 100% Alvarinho (Albarino) is from sustainably grown vines on granite soils. Grapes are harvested from tiny vineyard plots called Jardins since 1910 in Monaco and Melgao, on the northern border of Vinho Verde province. Vineyards are located in the southern banks of the Minho river, the best Alvarinho growing area in Portugal. Unlike others from the areas, the wines are not injected with CO2, making for a richer, fuller, well-balanced wine. Only four months in stainless steel produces 15,000 fresh cases a year.
The color is pale gold with a pale green hue and slightly petillant at the core. On the nose delicate citrus notes of lime, ruby grapefruit, Tree fruits of golden delicious apples, juicy white peach, subtle floral undertones of orange blossoms, and a hint of spice. On the palate its dry lively high acid, medium alcohol, fully body medium-plus intensity Creamy citrus oil gives immediate weight coating the mid-palate, the bright acid is first present on the front with a slight prickle, fresh citrus fruit, ripe apples, and fleshy peach saline on the back, oily texture long finish. This is an outstanding wine. It’s well represented with a firm structure. It’s balanced with excellent acid, generous fruit, and a pleasantly perfumed bouquet. Although this wine can age a bit, it’s best expressed in its youth for all the vibrancy it offers.
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