Alvarinho (also known internationally as Albariño)
Alvarinho is one of Portugal’s most celebrated white grape varieties, renowned for producing aromatic, crisp, and elegant dry white wines. In Spain, it is called Albariño and is the flagship grape of the Rías Baixas DO in Galicia. The same grape thrives on the Portuguese side of the Minho region, particularly in the sub-region of Monção e Melgaço within the Vinho Verde DOC, where it achieves exceptional expression and often stands alone in varietal wines.
Originating from the northwest Iberian Peninsula, Alvarinho is perfectly adapted to the cool, rainy Atlantic climate and granite-based soils of northern Portugal. It is the star of Vinho Verde’s premium tier, where regulations allow for higher alcohol levels and single-varietal bottlings (unlike the lighter, often blended and slightly spritzy styles from other Vinho Verde grapes like Loureiro). Alvarinho vines are typically trained on pergolas (or “ramadas”) to promote airflow and reduce rot in the humid conditions.
The variety ripens relatively early but retains high natural acidity, even in warmer years, thanks to its thick skins and ability to reflect terroir—especially the mineral-driven granite soils of Monção e Melgaço. It produces small, compact bunches with golden-yellow berries.
In the glass, Alvarinho wines are typically pale to medium lemon in color, with vibrant, intense aromas. The nose bursts with floral notes (orange blossom, jasmine), citrus (lime, grapefruit, lemon zest), ripe stone fruit (peach, nectarine, apricot), and tropical hints (passion fruit, lychee, pineapple). Subtler layers include green apple, white flowers, and often a distinctive saline or mineral edge, evoking the proximity to the ocean.
On the palate, Alvarinho delivers a refreshing, medium-bodied structure with mouth-watering acidity that provides excellent tension and length. Flavors mirror the aromas—zesty citrus, juicy peach, and stone fruit—often with a creamy texture from lees contact in more ambitious examples. A hallmark is the saline minerality on the finish, sometimes accompanied by a subtle bitter almond or grapefruit pith note that adds complexity and food-friendliness. Alcohol levels are typically moderate (12–13.5%), higher than basic Vinho Verde but balanced by the crisp acidity.
While sharing genetics with Spanish Albariño, Portuguese Alvarinho often emphasizes freshness, aromatic purity, and terroir-driven minerality over the fuller, sometimes oak-influenced styles seen in parts of Rías Baixas. In Monção e Melgaço, the warmer microclimate (sheltered from direct Atlantic winds) yields riper fruit and more body compared to cooler coastal plantings.
Versatile and age-worthy—especially top examples from producers using lees aging or partial oak—Alvarinho can develop honeyed, nutty, and petrol-like notes over 5–10+ years while retaining its core vibrancy. It excels as a young, lively aperitif wine or with seafood, grilled fish, fresh cheeses, Asian cuisine, and salads, making it a quintessential Portuguese white for expressing elegance, aromatic intensity, and Atlantic freshness.