Some white wines can truly be counted as household names. Stalwarts of many a wine rack, these have reached all corners of the globe, and are tried-and-tested favourites.
Yet venture outside the familiar confines of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, and there are real treasures to be found. Here, we’ve brought together some of our favourites from outside the better-trodden paths of the wine world.
Albariño
Albariño is one of Spain’s most distinctive white grapes. Largely hailing from the rainswept, coastal region of Galicia, these grapes make wonderful wines: intensely aromatic, with a real saline edge. Many famous examples come from Rías Baixas DO. Albariño is also found in northern Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho. Mostly, all are sold young and unoaked to preserve their fresh acidity, and all have a light texture.
Ideal for fans of Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis or Picpoul de Pinet, the best Albariños will be full of green fruit, peach and almond notes – alongside that famed salty note. Most of Albariño’s heartlands lie in proximity to the ocean, so it’s no surprise that seafood and fish are often recommended as food pairings. Our Own Selection Albariño is an excellent bottle to try: fresh and full of salted lemon and tarragon.
Arneis
Arneis is a rare grape, although it’s increasingly being planted by leading producers in Italy. Meaning “little rascal” in the Piemontese language – a nod to how difficult it is to grow – Arneis is indigenous to the Roero
This Article was originally published on Barry's Wine Blog