Varietal Origin
One of the few prominent Spanish white varietals, Albariño hails from the Rías Baixas region in the province of Galicia. Situated at the northwest tip of the country, Galicia is bordered on two sides by the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime influence ensures a cool growing season with a temperate, even climate. Wines from this region are referred to in Spain as “wines from the sea.” The generally low-yielding vines produce fruit with thick skins that are not only well-suited to this particularly damp climate, but can result in beautiful wines high in both acidity and flavor. Wonderfully aromatic, classic Albariño smells of peach, tangerine, lime and honey, and flavors range from salty ginger-spice to almond-vanilla.

As is found in most old-world countries, the indigenous wines and foods of the area make perfect matches. Galicia is the single greatest seafood region in a country legendary for fish, and its Albariño is a natural table-mate.

Albariño is also traditionally grown and made across the border to the south in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho or Cainho Branco. By whichever name, this varietal was and still is, the most expensive and highly revered white in both Spain and Portugal.

California Modern Day
Albariño has become so popular in the Rías Baixas that it now accounts for nearly 90 percent of all plantings. In 1996 Kathryn and Michael Havens of Havens Wine Cellars visited and region and ultimately planted and made the first commercially-offered Albariño in America. Paving the way for other producers, they formally registered the variety in 2000.

Currently, there are few Albariño vines planted in California. In fact, most available acreage reports lump this small producer in the “other whites” category. The Niven family is out to change those statistics. They have carved out 50 acres of their renowned Paragon Vineyard in the Edna Valley to dedicate to Albariño, making it the largest vineyard planted to the variety in the U.S. These vines should begin contributing fruit to the tangent wines in 2007.