White Wines of Spain
After writing my last article on the red wines of Spain, I felt I would be remiss not to include the delicious white wines of Spain.
The most popular white wines from Spain come from the most northwestern part of the country in the area of Galicia. The wines from this area are typically light wines, low in alcohol, with bright crisp acidity and lots of mineral qualities. They are the perfect accompaniment to light summer meals, particularly seafood and vegetables.
Rias Baixas, in Galicia, is a cool, wet region that sits on the Atlantic coast, and is well known for its Albariño wines. The vineyards of Rias Baixas provide the perfect mix of granite-rich soil and a cool, wet climate needed to create dry and elegant white wines from the Albariño grape. Albariño is 90% of this region’s production. The white wines from this region are mostly aged in stainless steel. They have a great level of minerality along with high acidity and low levels of alcohol.
Recommended wines from Rias Baixas:
BODEGAS VIÑA NORA ALBARIÑO – This a very bright, round wine with beautiful fruit and good acidity.
It is nicely concentrated and lively, with aromas of fresh pear and flavors of white flowers and citrus.
BODEGAS GRANBAZÁN ALBARIÑO – The Granbazán Albariño is consistently good every vintage. This is a classic Albariño, with aromas of white peaches, citrus, and orange blossom. It is vibrant, fresh and elegant with a saline finish. Serve this delicious wine with seafood, light spicy meats, and cheeses such as Camembert and San Simon.
BURGÁNS ALBARIÑO – Burgáns is always a great value white wine. This bright Albariño has fruity aromas of apple, white peach and pear. It is a well-balanced wine, clean and crisp, with good acidity.
Another area within the region of Galicia making great white wines is Valdeorras, which translates to Valley of Gold. It is believed that after the Romans had finished mining for gold, they began planting vineyards in this area. Left unattended for centuries, this area started making a comeback in the 1970s when vintners reintroduced the native grapes of the area, particularly Godello. Valdeorras is home to the finest terroir for growing two of Spain’s most important indigenous grapes, Godello and Mencía. Godello wines are typically serious wines with good acidity and structure. They are similar in texture to Chardonnay, but with more crispness and mineral notes.
Recommended wines from Valdeorras:
BODEGAS AVANCIA GODELLO – The grapes for this wine are sourced from one of the oldest vineyards in Valdeorras. The grapes are dry farmed and organic. Vinous Media’s review: “Meyer lemon, poached pear, and honeysuckle aromas, lifted by smoky mineral nuances, and a spicy ginger flourish. It offers vibrant orchard and citrus fruit flavors that unfurl slowly with aeration. Shows outstanding depth, as well as finesse. Drink 2020-2025.”
BODEGAS VIRXE DEL GALIR GODELLO – This winery was founded in 2002, but the winery has origins dating back to the 17th century. This is made from 100% Godello. It has beautiful aromas of peaches and white flowers, it is round and dry with a creamy texture and flavors of citrus and honey. There is a refreshing finish with saline-like acidity. This wine pairs perfectly with seafood, baked fish, cheese and most appetizers.
Another area of Spain that has been making delicious white wines is Rueda. Rueda is located in the Castillo y Leon region of Spain, and the popular grape from this area is Verdejo. The Verdejo wines are aromatic with lively acidity. These bright, crisp wines are great for summer sipping, but are also great pairings with shellfish, salad, flavorful sauces, and even Asian food. While organic viticulture is becoming increasingly popular in wines from around the world, most wines in Rueda are farmed organically.
RECOMMENDED WINES FROM RUEDA:
BODEGAS ORDÓÑEZ NISIA VERDEJO – Made from 100% Verdejo, this is vibrant, fresh, racy wine has a touch of citrus flavor and minerality. It is medium-bodied, with bright acidity and plenty of texture.
Very well-made but still extremely affordable and refreshing!
BODEGAS SHAYA VERDEJO – Peach, lime, ginger and tarragon flavors mingle in this juicy, crisp, bright wine. Firm acidity focuses the fleshy texture. Subtle and harmonious. Drink now.
There are also some very good white wines coming out of the Rioja region of Spain. The main grape used in Rioja Blanco is Viura.
RECOMMENDED WINE FROM RIOJA:
SIERRA DE TOLOÑO RIOJA BLANCO – This is a small winery in the foothills of Sierra de Toloño in Rioja. Sandra Bravo works with some of the oldest and highest-altitude vineyards in Spain. Her wines are from biodynamically farmed vineyards. The Rioja Blanco is made from 100% Viura grapes from 87-year-old vineyards. It is intense and fresh with beautiful aromatics and clean, pure, fresh flavors of citrus and green apple. The finish is crisp, fresh, light and well-balanced.
The wines of Spain, red, white, and rose, are some of the greatest wine values in the world!
The white wines of Spain are the perfect wines for summer. Great for sipping alone or paired with light summer meals. They are refreshing and bright, crisp and light, as well as being great wine values.
Here’s to a wonderful summer of good health, good fun, good food and wine, and a quick worldwide recovery!
Please drink responsibly!
