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ALBARIÑO WINES & DRINKS EDIT

I’m not one to make predictions. I find them a bit pompous... and I don’t like to be proven wrong. There’s just something about albariño, however, that makes me believe it could be the next big thing for spring and summer here in New Zealand.

Hailing from Galicia in Northern Spain and widely grown throughout Spain and Portugal, albariño is dry white wine. The palate can range from light to medium bodied, it is vibrant and zesty with high acid and is highly aromatic. Citrus, peach and nectarine aromas are albariño’s calling cards.

For the most part New Zealand’s albariño is dry and light bodied yet with depth of fruit flavour and a delicious saline minerality – especially where the grapes have grown by the coast.

A great all-rounder, albariño’s high acidity makes it popular with sauvignon blanc drinkers, the peachy fruitiness will appeal to the pinot gris adorer and chardonnay lovers will find it hard to pass up richer styles that have spent some time in barrels. Even those who enjoy viognier, riesling and gewürztraminer will be impressed by the complex aromatics of albariño. All things considered, most white wine imbibers will find something to enjoy in a chilled glass of New Zealand albariño.

While this variety of wine is wonderful to sip by itself, it really comes into its own when paired with food – with seafood in particular. In its native Spain, this drop would be enjoyed alongside seafood tapas such as sardines, shrimp and octopus. For a Kiwi equivalent think scallops, oysters, fish tacos and even good oldfashioned salty fish and chips. Albariño’s high acid will cut through the delicious greasiness and its saline quality will complement the fish, along with the mandatory squeeze of lemon.

Grab a bottle of one of my recommended wines, below, and head to the beach with some takeaway fish and chips under your arm to enjoy the ultimate Spanish-Kiwi fusion experience.

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2021-10-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://stuffmagazines.pressreader.com/article/283905936063702

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