Ep 241: The Grape Miniseries -- Albarino
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We share the story of Spain\'s Albari\\xf1o/ Portugal\'s Alvarinho. From ancient fame, to near extinction, and then triumphant resurrection, this grape is one of our favorites -- aromatic, acidic, complex yet delicious! It\'s a must in your wine rotation.
We also discuss Underground Wine Events, Washington D.C. on November 3. Go to www.undergroundwineevents.com\\xa0to get your tickets before we sell out! $59 per person!
Here are the show notes:\\xa0
Albari\\xf1o/Alvarinho\\xa0
- Spanish/Portuguese name for aromatic, high quality vine
- In Spain considered to be among the oldest varieties of the northwest
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History
- The regular: Romans, Cistercian monks, big fame in the 14th and 15th centuries with the discovery of the New World /colonies
- And its own quirks: Trade wars and export bans in the 19thcentury led to overcapacity and vineyard abandonment, and some issues with drugs
- Phylloxera devastated vineyards, during the replanting in the early 20th century, Albari\\xf1o began to emerge as the region\\u2019s star, with new generation of skilled winemakers \\u2013 many of them women
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Spain
- R\\xedas Baixas called \\u201cGreen Spain\\u201d,
- Moderate year-round temperatures, damp Atlantic-influenced climate but lots of sunshine for ripening granite and alluvial soil
- R\\xedas Baixas, \\u201cLower Rivers\\u201d\\u2014referring to the four estuaries in the region\\u2019s southwestern edge. Albari\\xf1o 96 percent of plantings.
- of Producers:\\xa0Approx. 180
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Portugal \\u2013 Alvarinho
- Grown in northwest Portugal\\xa0over the border in Galicia in NW Spain
- Great diversity \\u2013 probably an old variety
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Some in CA, Oregon, Australia thought they were growing it but it was the French grape Savagnin
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In the vineyard
- Moderately vigorous, controlling yields is important
- Thick skins so they can withstand damp climate
- Trellising system is important \\u2013 can reduce or increase yields, help with reducing mildew issues but can encourage overcropping too
- Most all grapes are hand-harvested
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Winemaking
- Temperature control in modern, stainless steel tanks
- Wild yeast fermentation is common
- Sometimes oak matured or aged for years on the lees (dead yeast cells) in stainless before release, for texture and increasing the aging potential of Rias Baixas wines.
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Wine Flavors:
- Peach, apricot, melon, pineapple, mango and honeysuckle. Sometimes a salty marine note. High in acidity with alcohol levels of 11.5\\u201312.5%.
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DO R\\xedas Baixas -\\xa0five distinct sub-regions:
- Ribeira do Ulla: Inland, newer area
- Condado do Tea: inland, warmer, drier area, less fruity, earthier\\xa0
- Val do Saln\\xe9s: on the Atlantic coast, northern half of the region, features the most coastline. crisp, aromatic \\u201cmelony\\u201d, salinity, minerality acidity and freshness
- Soutomaior: Smallest sub-regions
- O Rosal: Peachier, softer style
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And thanks to this week\'s sponsors!
YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make\\xa0
the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help!Check it out today:\\xa0https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople
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