Grapes Alvarinho
Grape guide · white
Alvarinho
Northern Portugal’s best-known white grape, called Albariño in Spain. Fragrant, fresh and saline-mineral: the classic with fish and seafood.
Alvarinho grows on both sides of the Minho river: in Portugal in the Vinho Verde region, in Spain — as Albariño — in Rías Baixas. Its Portuguese home is Monção e Melgaço, the sub-region along the river.
The berries are small and thick-skinned, which helps in the wet Atlantic climate. The wine is fragrant — peach, citrus, blossom — with firm freshness and a saline, mineral side.
At a glance
- Colour
- White
- Other name
- Albariño (Spain)
- Where
- Vinho Verde (especially Monção e Melgaço), Rías Baixas in Spain
- Taste
- Peach, citrus, blossom, saline and mineral
- Structure
- Fresh acidity; creamy after lees ageing
What it tastes like
Young Alvarinho is fragrant and taut: peach, citrus and blossom with acidity that keeps it fresh. Left for months on its lees, it becomes creamier and fuller without losing freshness — and can age for years.
What to eat with it
Fish and seafood: oysters, grilled fish, prawns, mussels. The saline minerality suits anything from the sea, and the freshness does what a squeeze of lemon does.
Read on
Our wines with Alvarinho
Aveleda Solos de Xisto Alvarinho
The best white grape with seafood. Full stop.
Hand-picked Alvarinho from slate soils. Nine months on the lees and nine in bottle. Jasmine and peach on the nose, velvety and creamy on the palate. Nelson's favourite with fish.
Availability to be confirmed
Frequently asked questions
Is Alvarinho the same as Albariño?
Yes. Alvarinho is the Portuguese name, Albariño the Spanish one. It is the same grape.
What does Alvarinho taste like?
Fragrant and fresh: peach, citrus and blossom with a saline, mineral side. Creamier and fuller after lees ageing.
What food goes with Alvarinho?
Fish and seafood, especially oysters, grilled fish and shellfish.