Albariño

Alvarinho ( Portuguese, Galician Albariño ) is a white grape variety which is the most important variety for the Vinho Verde in Portugal. Especially well it prospers in the area of ​​Monção, where it is expanded and varietal wine. The vines are often drawn to pergolas. In Portugal, the area under surface is 1,800 acres (as of 2010 ), in Spain at 4,500 hectares ( as of 2010).

Description

In Spain, Albariño is the outstanding grape growing region of Rias Baixas in Galicia. Due to the high humidity of the region the grapes are there exclusively pergola like to around 1.50 to 2 m high structures, which are usually supported by granite pillars, terraced.

Albariño means " the little white from Rhine " and it has long been suspected, the grape was related to Riesling. According to legend, she was taken between the 11th and 13th centuries by monks from Germany or France on the pilgrim route to Galicia. More recent evidence suggests that Albariño seems but a relative of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc or Petit Manseng To be a definitive clarification of the facts is still pending (as of 2005). A DNA analysis showed a close relationship to the Portuguese Malvasia Fina. Alvarinho is a variety of the noble vine (Vitis vinifera ). It has hermaphrodite flowers and is thus self- fruiting. When the wine-growing economic drawback is avoided, no return delivered to male plants need to grow.

The Albariño is usually consumed young, has a fine acidity and fits very well with fish and seafood.

See also the article viticulture in Portugal, Viticulture in Spain and the list of grape varieties.

Synonyms

Alvarinho is also known under the name albariño, Spanish and Albariño, Albarinyo, Alvarin Blanco, Alvarinha, Azal Blanco, Cainho Branco, Galego and Galeguinho.