Ring In The New Year With A New Wine: Albarino

As everyone readies their list of New Year's resolutions, Albarino from Spain recommends an addition: break out of your wine box and try something new in 2011.

When it comes to white wine, most are familiar with varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, but the white wine landscape is much more diverse than just two options. Albarino, a Spanish white, is a lesser known varietal, but offers all the rich and expressive flavor notes found in the more common white varietals.

"Many people have their 'go-to' wines, however sticking with just one varietal can be incredibly limiting," said Katia Alvarez, winemaker for the Martin Codax Rias Baixas Albarino. "We shouldn't be afraid to try more adventurous wine choices from lesser known wine-producing regions, like Albarino's home, Rias Baixas."

Perfect for every season, Albarino has a unique flavor and a natural acidity with a clean finish. The wine is often described as expressive, with peach and apricot notes, or crisp and refreshing, with intense fruit flavors, such as green apples and lemon zest. Serve this wine with appetizers, cheese, seafood, Asian fare, pork, poultry and salads.

For Albarino recommendations, samples and pricing information, please contact Jamie Godfrey, jamie@lanepr.com, 503.546.7892.

About Albarino from Spain

Albarino (al-ba-ree-nyo) is a white grape varietal grown in the D.O. (Denomination of Origin) of Rias Baixas, located in Galicia on Spain's Northwest coast. Accounting for 90 percent of all plantings in Rias Baixas, Albarino wine has been likened to a Riesling for its minerality and bracing acidity; to a Viognier, because of its fleshiness and peach/apricot character; and to a Pinot Gris for its floral bouquet. Albarino pairs well with seafood dishes, which are indigenous to its seaside region and are highly prized by leading restaurants throughout Spain. Albarino is also one of the few Spanish white grape varieties produced as a varietal wine on its own and designated on labels.