ALBARIÑO

always associated with Galicia, although it is also found in Portugal and areas of Cantabria, Castilla León and Catalonia. It is said to have been first planted in the valleys along the Camino de Santiago (Saint James’ Way) by Cistercian monks in the 12th century. As these monks came from Alsace, people have always looked for a similarity between the Albariño and grapes from other countries, such as the Riesling or the Petit Manseng. Albariño is also known as Albarina, Alvarin Blanc, Alvarinha, Alvarinho, Azal Blanc, Galego and Galeguinho. It expresses itself best as a monovarietal, but you can also find it blended with other grape varieties, most often Galician. In terms of styles, there are producers who age it in barrels, but the result is not