Albariño, also known as Alvarinho is a green-skinned grape variety grown predominantly in Spain and Portugal, which is probably native to Iberia, although it may be related to French Riesling. Today the grape is also grown in California and South America.
Albariño is quite light and unusually low in alcohol at around 11.5% to 12.5%.
When drinking it has a distinctive botanical aroma with notes of lemon, much like Viognier. On the palate is lemon, lime, grapefruit, pear and even a hint of beeswax. With age, the wine develops sweeter notes showing peach and a little almond. Its finish is crisp, citrussy and nicely acidic.