The sixth annual celebration of the Albariño grape is being celebrated this week from August 2nd-7th. The annual event was established by TAPAS (Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society). In years past the event was only celebrated one day, but for 2017, it is being celebrating for nearly a week. It coincides with the Fiesta del Albariño held in the small coastal town of Cambados, Spain during the first week of August.
Albariño is traditionally grown in Rias Baixas, a wine region in Galicia in northwestern Spain. There it produces light to medium-bodied, dry, aromatic and refreshing wines with a zesty citrus character that are ideal for summer evenings and seafood pairings.
I recently has chance to taste through ten Albariño from Rias Baixas via an online tasting hosted by Snooth– Click here for my post entitled – A Taste of Albariño from Rías Baixas.
Closer to home, Albariño has also found a great new home in the Lodi AVA.
In recent years, so many Lodi based wineries have begun producing white wines fashioned from the Albariño grape, it’s practically become “Lodi’s Chardonnay.” – Randy Caparoso, Lodi Wine
Lodi is celebrating the grape with the Lodi Tour of Albariño August 4-7. The event, which is self guided tour (no ticket required), is focused on tasting this dry, white wine from a number of different producers in Lodi. (see below for participating wineries). Just visit any of the participating wineries, taste some refreshing Albariño, grab a guide-book and continue the tour.
Each of the wineries on the tour will be pouring their fantastic take on Albariño, each one different from the next:
At Bokisch Vineyards tasting room, you’ll get a taste of our three Albariños from three different vineyards. This side-by-side comparison is a fun exploration of the difference terroir can make. We’re also releasing our 2016 Andrus Island Albariño this weekend!
At Dancing Coyote, taste their Estate Grown 2016 Albariño, then buy a full case for $99, that’s over 30% discount!
Estate Crush will feature their 2016 Albariño from Bokisch Vineyards along with its August menu with fifteen additional wines.
At Klinker Brick, you’ll taste their “Best of Class” 2016 Albariño, enjoy 15% off Albariño purchases, and get a taste of their delicious Albariño sorbet.`–Mettler Family Vineyard will be pouring their Estate Grown Albariño, a true summer treat, and some of their other unique varietals.
At Oak Farm Vineyards you can experience their 2016 Albariño plus 8 other wines on their tasting list and enjoy their beautiful tasting room with live music on Saturday. Source: Visit Lodi
In My Glass
I had the chance to taste the 2016 Estate Crush Albariño last night. You’ll find my impressions below:
13.2% abv| SRP – $18 |Sample
This wine a different expression of Albarino that the Oak Farm Vineyards Albariño I tried the previous day (see my post here), it has more body for me, while retaining the freshness the grape is known for. I was pleasantly surprised it paired well with our Paella of grilled chicken, baby bella mushroom, and chicken liver. There was something in the finish that had an interesting savory character for me. Such a delicious and appetizing wine!
Want to know more about Albariño? Head out to Lodi this weekend and taste it for yourself! And for are six fun facts on Albariño, watch this two-minute video from Karen MacNeil, author of the Wine Bible.
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Yes I agree! I received both wines as samples also and really enjoyed the plushness of the body of the Estate Crush.
Agree that the Estate Crush was a beautiful wine. It was the favorite of our Albarino Fiesta cycling tour, which we dubbed Giro d’Albarino. Bokisch was a strong second, and they supplied the fruit for Estate Crush, so, hey, you could say they took first and second. Dancing Coyote won the value category – $99 a case. Wow.