Ep 241: The Grape Miniseries -- Albariño

We share the story of Spain's Albariño/ Portugal's Alvarinho. From ancient fame, to near extinction, and then triumphant resurrection, this grape is one of our favorites -- aromatic, acidic, complex yet delicious! It's a must in your wine rotation. We also discuss Underground Wine Events, Washington D.C. on November 3. Go to www.undergroundwineevents.com to get your tickets before we sell out! $59 per person! Here are the show notes:  Albariño/Alvarinho  Spanish/Portuguese name for aromatic, high quality vine In Spain considered to be among the oldest varieties of the northwest   History The regular: Romans, Cistercian monks, big fame in the 14th and 15th centuries with the discovery of the New World /colonies And its own quirks: Trade wars and export bans in the 19thcentury led to overcapacity and vineyard abandonment, and some issues with drugs Phylloxera devastated vineyards, during the replanting in the early 20th century, Albariño began to emerge as the region’s star, with new generation of skilled winemakers – many of them women   Spain Rías Baixas called “Green Spain”, Moderate year-round temperatures, damp Atlantic-influenced climate but lots of sunshine for ripening granite and alluvial soil Rías Baixas, “Lower Rivers”—referring to the four estuaries in the region’s southwestern edge. Albariño 96 percent of plantings. of Producers: Approx. 180   Portugal – Alvarinho Grown in northwest Portugal over the border in Galicia in NW Spain Great diversity – probably an old variety   Some in CA, Oregon, Australia thought they were growing it but it was the French grape Savagnin   In the vineyard Moderately vigorous, controlling yields is important Thick skins so they can withstand damp climate Trellising system is important – can reduce or increase yields, help with reducing mildew issues but can encourage overcropping too Most all grapes are hand-harvested   Winemaking Temperature control in modern, stainless steel tanks Wild yeast fermentation is common Sometimes oak matured or aged for years on the lees (dead yeast cells) in stainless before release, for texture and increasing the aging potential of Rias Baixas wines.   Wine Flavors: Peach, apricot, melon, pineapple, mango and honeysuckle. Sometimes a salty marine note. High in acidity with alcohol levels of 11.5–12.5%.   DO Rías Baixas - five distinct sub-regions: Ribeira do Ulla: Inland, newer area Condado do Tea: inland, warmer, drier area, less fruity, earthier  Val do Salnés: on the Atlantic coast, northern half of the region, features the most coastline. crisp, aromatic “melony”, salinity, minerality acidity and freshness Soutomaior: Smallest sub-regions O Rosal: Peachier, softer style   And thanks to this week's sponsors! YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help!Check it out today: https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople     Last Bottle I love this service!! Last Bottle Wines finds great wines and offers them at a one time discount. Last Bottle Wines: Is a fun way to discover the best wines at the lowest prices Maintains relationships with producers in the most prestigious wine regions around the world and traveling to Europe several times each year to eat with, stay with, drink with, walk the vineyards with the people who make the wines. Offer a range of prices from low end to high end $9 to $99 and the wines range from the lesser known kinds like Albariño and Bläufrankish to Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay. Visit: http://lastbottlewines.com/normal and join to get a $10 instant credit to use toward your first order. Invite your wine drinking pals and they’ll get $10 instantly and you get $30 when they make their first buy.       Get the back catalog on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.