Albariño: When you just can’t let go of summer.

shutterstock_82353709Say it ain’t so! We’re surrounded by “Back to School” messages and Labor Day commercials bombard the airwaves – but I’m not giving in – summer isn’t over yet! I’m going to put on my white bucks and seersucker party pants, pick up some delightfully light and refreshing Albariño then relax on the deck or maybe head ‘down the shore’ one more time!

La Cana Albarino 1Albariño, from Spain’s Rias Baixas region, is often compared to dry Riesling because of its minerality and zesty acidity, or sometimes to Viognier for its fleshy texture and tasty flavors of peach and apricot, while some even associate it with the flowery characteristics of Gewurztraminer or Alsatian Pinot Gris.

The La Caña, 2013 Albariño smells like a bouquet of white flowers and fresh lemon zest. The palate brims with peach, citrus and white pepper flavors. Nervy acidity and stony mineral flavors keep the fruit from getting too exuberant but the lemon and green apple flavors keep rising to the top like a school of dolphins in the LBI surf.

If you prefer a richer style of white wine, try the DO Ferreiro’s 2013 Albariño. DO Ferreiro AlbarinoIt is also resplendent in its white flower scents but the fruit aromas lean towards stone fruits and pithy citrus. The telltale strong minerality is there, bordering on smoky or flinty, and the rich fruit flavors are reminiscent of green apple skins, Bartlett pears and lime pith.

laxas albarinoMy perennial Jersey shore staple is the Laxas, 2014 Albariño. The enticing aromas combine apple blossom and white peach scents with subtle wet stone aromas. Satisfyingly refreshing with complex flavors that swirl round and round your mouth like a boardwalk tilt-a-whirl manned by a sleepy carnie worker.

Capture the waning days of summer with a bottle of crisp, clean, refreshing Albariño. You’ll find it’s a versatile companion to light cuisine from the sea, steamy summer days, and an even steamier novel. So water down the backyard slip-n-slide for the kids, then let a little Albariño slip-n-slide down your throat.

Want to give Albariños a try? An Albariño Wine Tasting is planned at The Wine Seller this Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd between 3PM and 8PM. 6 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07470

 

SHARE:  
Facebook Twitter Google Digg Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest StumbleUpon Email

Author: Heather Zachariah

Former Art Director for Home Magazine, Heather Leahy Zachariah, left her career in publishing after baby number number one. She now works from home as a freelance graphic designer and a chauffeur to her 3 busy kids. "Working on TipsFromTown has been a wonderful outlet for me. It renewed my love of publishing where I can design colorful, enticing pages online and allows me to share the things I love about being a mom." Heather grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a place that still is near and dear to her. " After living in Brooklyn for 18 years and studying Graphic Design at Pratt Institute, she now lives in the Jersey burbs. "I love living so close to NYC, but in my heart, I'm an Ohio girl."

Subscribe!

Sign up for our email newsletter