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L
ooking for a dry white wine that
is light and crisp, with hints of
almond, apple and citrus flavors?
An Albariño is going to be a great
choice. As a relatively new wine being
grown and made here in Maryland, its
high quality and flavor are making it a
popular choice. With flavors of grassi-
ness resembling a Sauvignon Blanc, and
hints of almond similar to a Pinot Blanc,
Albariño is a unique and flavorful wine.
From its name, you could probably guess
that it originated in Spain, more specifical-
ly in Northwestern Spain. Many consider
Albariño to be Spain’s best quality and
most popular white wine. Weather con-
ditions in Northwestern Spain are cool,
windy and rainy, making the Albariño
vines very strong; the grapes themselves
develop a thick skin to weather the rough
conditions.
Albariño—much like most dry white
wines—does not age well. The vibrant
aromas of this crisp wine begin to fade
noticeably within just months of bottling;
thus, it should be enjoyed while it is still
young.
Albariño’s bracing acidity makes it
perfect to have with seafood. See recipe on
page 28 for a great Spanish tapas dish to
pair with a bottle of Maryland Albariño. If
you are looking to pair a glass of Albariño
with cheese, stay with more tangy cheeses
to match the dry crispness of the white
wine. Cherry Glen’s Monocacy Crottin
is a tangy goat cheese with a nutty finish,
a great complement to Albarino’s crisp
acidity.
With its growing popularity, more and
more vineyards are growing or making
Albariño right here in Maryland! Royal
Rabbit Vineyards in Baltimore County
both grows and produces an Albariño.
Theirs is crisp with flavors of almond,
vanilla and light citrus. Another Maryland
winery that produces an Albariño is
Bodegas Gonzalez Ruggiero in Cecil
County. Notes of apricot and sweet grape-
fruit, floral hints, and its pale gold color
make their Albariño great for an everyday
wine. Serpent Ridge Vineyard in Carroll
County produces Albariño that stays true
to its Spanish roots with its apricot, peach,
green apple and pear notes.
Port of Leonardtown Winery’s Albariño
has light tropical fruit aromas wtih notes
of freshly cut grass, balanced with the
delicate mineral tones. Their Albariño
is a great match for mussels or a roasted
chicken. Old Westminster has a highly-
respected Albariño (and a special petulant
naturel version); however it is only avail-
able to club members.
Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County
has produced its first Albariño, with
aromas of peach and flowers. Mazzaroth
Vineyards in Frederick County has grown
and produced an Albariño, although not
quite ready for sale. Visit marylandwine.
com for more information on your local
Maryland wineries and Albariño!
MWP
WINE STYLE PROFILE
B Y B R I A N N A MA C K I E
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M A R Y L A N D W I N E P R E S S