Albarina

[emc]

Hi I recently had someone suggest a Spanish white called Albarina. I had never heard of it. Can anyone compare this varietal with something more common? Any characteristics would be appreciated, thanks.

[Innkeeper]

Are you sure it isn't albarino? Michael Schuster describes it thusly: "Although some versions can be fairly full-bodied and strong, most are the lighter versions. Pale, floral-scented, delicate dry wines, usually lemon tinged and with a touch of spritz (a term now outlawed by the ATF!), crisp yet smooth. Oak is anathema to them, but that doesn't prevent a few producers from trying it."

[Randy Caparoso]

The closest thing to Albarino in respect to its flowery fragrance is Riesling. The difference is that Albarino tends to have a distinctive flinty/minerally edge, plus the fact that they are usually vinified dry (whereas Rieslings are anywhere from dry to very sweet). The body is usually light to light-medium.