We’re not dumping on go-to summer sippers like Chardonnay or Rosé, but sometimes you just need something a little different to refresh your palate and cool your head. Not only is Albariño a crisp and refreshing twist for hot nights and barbecued fish tacos, it’s also plentiful in Paso Robles Wine Country. This summer, taste from 25 passionate boutique Albariño producers at three unique events uncorking across the area June 16-17 for the Festival of Albariño. Here’s five good reasons why this white is totally poised to become your top 2017 summer jam. Ole!
1. A Rising Star
Like that great underground band overshadowed by Top 40 radio hits, Albariño doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. However, and luckily for us in Paso Robles, its star is on the rise. With award winning producers crafting world class vintages that speak to the varietal’s refreshing and compelling characteristics, now is the time to fall in love with this bright white grape originally grown in Spanish and Portuguese soil. Get educated: Want to learn more about the history and characteristics of great Albariño? Hit up the Second Annual Albariño Summit, held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17 at Derby Wine Estates. Discover what makes this grape great with help from an expert tasting panel and educational tasting seminar.
Mapping and Directions to Derby Wine Estates: speedfind.com/DerbyWineEstates
2. It’s Incredibly Food Friendly
With a botanical aroma similar to Viognier or Gewurztraminer, flavors of apricot and peach, a light body, and tons of fresh acidity, pairing Albariño is a breeze. Taste the flavor: Experience this truth for yourself at a Starlit Albariño Dinner hosted at Brecon Estate Friday, June 16 at 6 p.m. under majestic oaks. Dine with top winemakers who will be pairing their Albariños with the fresh, local delectable creations of Crush Catering.
Mapping and Directions to Brecon Estate: speedfind.com/BreconEstate
3. No One-Hit Wonder
Mapping and Directions to Broken Earth Winery: speedfind.com/BrokenEarthWinery
4. Easy Drinking
Picnics call for a no-fuss wine that’s drinkable as all get out. Albariño is that perfect varietal with enough complex flavor to pull you in, but the high acidity and freshness will keep you searching for that next quenching sip. Picnic like an Albariño Pro: Arrive up to two hours early at the Grand Tasting at Broken Earth Winery Saturday, July 17 and enjoy a Grand Picnic under the shady trees. Award winning food trucks, including the Lobos Truck from Los Angeles, will feature a variety of eats. Plus, shake a tail father with music from Ricky Montijo and the Mojtos from 1 to 4 p.m.!
5. Dare to be Different
You’re not the average, run of the mill wine taster, so why should your wine be blah? Shake up your taste buds and try something new. Happiness scientists have long since known that taking a break with routine and jumping into a fresh realm is good for the soul. Experience a whole new world of wine, Albariño style. Sample a splash from these award-winning wineries pouring at the festival:
True Acacia Head is a single vineyard offering and features two clones from what is the oldest planting of Albariño in the Central Coast. What really differentiates this wine is the use of Acacia wood on the heads of the barrels during fermentation. This adds a little structure to the wines and a white peach character to the nose, while minimizing the toasty and vanilla characters associated with oak.
This wine is a superb example of a crisp refreshing cool climate Albariño, with fruit sourced from a vineyard just 1.8 miles from the ocean. In its homeland in Northern Portugal and Spain, the best examples are perceived to come from close to the ocean. Indeed, vintages from Brecon have more than once scored 96 points.
Bodega de Edgar
2016 Bodegas Paso Robles Galicia – Albariño
This classic, crisp Albariño from Bodegas Paso Robles has hints of apricot on the nose and pineapple and grapefruit on the palate. The mouth feel is very round and full before the crisp finish. The 2016 Galicia is a dry, refreshing wine with a great acid balance. It’s perfect for sipping on hot summer days. The 2016 vintage pairs beautifully with Dungeness crab, fish tacos, spicy Thai food, seafood-based paella, sea bass, spring rolls, risotto, chicken, crab and avocado salad, peach cobbler, artichoke, and desserts such as fruit tarts, rice pudding, flan, fresh fruit, and sweet cakes.
Fresh and appealing, this Clavo Cellars Albariño charges your sense with concentrated aromatics of green bananas and ripe apricots. Light and crisp with good acidity, lively structure, and an edgy spiciniess on the finish, this wine pairs well with tapas, paella, pasta and ristottos.
With grapes sourced from California’s famed Edna Valley, this Albarino opens with vibrant aromas of citrus blossoms, lemon zest, and grapefruit. White peach, apricot, and fresh spring flowers assault the palate and glide into a polished mineral laden finish.
Get Your Tickets Before They Sell Out!
Last year’s inaugural Albariño Summit was a huge hit and sold out almost immediately. This year, the Albariño Summit has expanded into three unique experiences, so don’t miss out! Click here to get your tickets today.
Questions?
Email Albariñ[email protected] if you have any questions. See you at the festival!
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected] or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
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