This was only our third comparison of Albariņo (the last was in June 2019), and while previous competitions included only Iberian versions, this time we threw in two from South America.
For the second month in a row, the winner was also the best value of the night, coming in at only $15, a classic producer from the Rías Baixas appellation of Galicia in Spain. The runner-up was only a dollar more expensive, and less than a handful of points behind the winner.
Most photography by Andy.
First Place: Burgans Albariņo 2023 (Rías Baixas). A hint of effervescence. Tasters found scents of pebbles, wildflowers, and linen scented fabric softener. Pretty. Powdery. Josephine detected "scented talc" and "white suede." In the mouth, there were flavors of lemons, white peach, and Sprite. Had a flow to it, and an elegant quality expressed in a beautiful texture. Plenty of acidity. Ali found "an aggressive flower on the mid-palate." David, Kristin, Ali, and Addy's favorite of the night, with a total of 32 points. Andy's bottle. About $15.
Second Place: Nortico Alvarinho 2023 (Minho). Slight spritz left on it, showing a fresh, floral nose of honeysuckle, sandalwood, and intriguing minerality. Josephine was reminded of "when my garden is filled with weeds that are blooming." Inviting. Flavors of lemon thyme, lemon zest, and river rock. Nice texture, bordering on silky. Andy and Josephine's favorite, with a total of 28 points. Addy's bottle. About $16.
Third Place: Foral de Melgaço Alvarinho Old Vines 2024 (Vinho Verde). A little spritzy. Bananas and orange blossoms on the nose, plus crushed chalk, green apples, corn starch, orange rind, and a hint of acetone. Inviting, and a little bit of saline. Plenty of acidity, and more of that green apple note on the palate, not unlike a Jolly Rancher candy, then an apricot note. Not super-complex, but refreshing and bright, and would be great on a picnic or at the beach. Pair with oysters or clams. David referred to it as "electric" in acidity. 16 points. Josephine's bottle. About $18.
Garzon Albariņo Reserva 2024 (Uruguay). Slightly spritzy. Tasters detected some dirty/funky scents, like sweat, mushrooms, and foot, but also yeast/bread, plus a hint of black cherry, edamame, old blueberry, and peach skin. White peach and citrus in the mouth, and no matching dirty flavors, along with hints of cranberries and butterscotch on the finish. Shows a little more body, but also plenty of lift. 8 points. David's bottle. About $18.
Zuccardi Albariņo Poligonos del Valle de Uco 2022 (San Pablo, Mendoza). Smelled vegetal, like Brussels sprouts, corn husks, decay, and damp earth. A hint of blue cheese. Andy was reminded of "dumpster diving", with Josephine finding "rotting vegetables." Very tart in the mouth, like a Sour Patch Kid candy or Fun Dip. Intense acidity. Ali felt it was reminiscent of Theraflu. Other notes of eucalyptus and thyme. Did not come off as well-integrated, but also not a bad wine, and improved with food. No points. Kristin's bottle. About $33.
Pagos del Rey Pulpo Albariņo 2022 (Rías Baixas). Almost golden yellow in color, with a nose of lemon lime soda, freesia, honey, citronella, and bug spray. Something a little artificial on the palate, not unlike DEET, followed by a hint of fruitiness, and then goes flat. Andy was reminded of Nyquil, while Kristin detected canned pineapple flavors. Does not develop. No points. Ali's bottle. About $15.
JUNE 2025: ALBARIŅO SCUFFLE #3
