Albariño or Alvarinho? Two Names, One Grape, Infinite Possibilities
Despite the different names used in each country, Albariño (Spain) and Alvarinho (Portugal) are actually the same grape variety. The distinction lies primarily in language and regional winemaking traditions. Both names refer to a white grape native to the Iberian Peninsula, known for its bright acidity, citrus and stone fruit flavours, and occasional saline notes.
The grape thrives in two key regions: Rías Baixas in Galicia, Spain, and Vinho Verde in Portugal, specifically the Monção and Melgaço sub-region. Despite the shared variety, subtle differences arise from terroir and winemaking techniques. For instance, Spanish albariño is often characterized by its more pronounced fruitiness, while Portuguese alvarinho from Vinho Verde can show more minerality, influenced by the region's granite soils.
Discovering the Allure of Alvarinho: A Journey Through Portugal's Vinho Verde and the Craft of Anselmo Mendes
Vinho Verde, tucked away in the far north of Portugal, is a region that has long captured the hearts of wine lovers, not only for its beauty but for the quality of its wines. Among these, the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço stands out, celebrated for producing some of the best alvarinho wines in the world. This small yet distinguished area, nestled along the southern banks of the Minho River and just a few kilometres from the Galician border in Spain, is where the Portuguese version of albariño—known as alvarinho—thrives. On the rolling hills of the Minho Valley, it's here that winemaker Anselmo Mendes, often referred to as “Mr. Alvarinho,” has made his mark.
On a recent trip to the Vinho Verde region, we had the opportunity to explore Monção and Melgaço and visit Anselmo Mendes’s Quinta da Torre estate. Mendes, who has spent over 30 years studying alvarinho, masterfully balances tradition and innovation, producing eight distinct Alvarinho wines, each reflecting the unique soil types of his vineyards. His dedication to understanding how the different soils impact the grape's character has resulted in expressive, complex, and completely unique wines.
The Microclimate of Monção and Melgaço
The secret to the exceptional quality of the alvarinho wines from Monção and Melgaço lies in their microclimate. This region enjoys more sunshine than other parts of Vinho Verde, with mountains protecting the vineyards from Atlantic winds and excess rain. The result is a climate that allows the grape to ripen fully, developing rich and aromatic flavours.
In the granite soils of the Minho Valley, alvarinho flourishes. The wines here are known for their elegance and vibrancy, with flavours ranging from citrus fruits to exotic tropical notes like lychee and passion fruit. In some cases, these wines are aged in oak barrels, adding a depth and complexity that elevates them further. Mendes’s wines, in particular, reflect this range beautifully, each a study of how terroir shapes the expression of the grape.
Anselmo Mendes: A Winemaker’s Quest for Perfection
What makes Anselmo Mendes stand out in the world of alvarinho is his dedication to innovation without losing sight of tradition. Born in Monção to a farming family, Mendes first trained as an agronomist, focusing on the science of soil management. This knowledge laid the foundation for his winemaking philosophy, which centres on the importance of terroir and how the land influences wines. His approach is meticulous—each of his eight alvarinho wines is crafted to showcase the particular characteristics of the soil from which it comes.
Since producing his first wine in 1998, Mendes has pushed the boundaries of what the variety can achieve, experimenting with techniques like oak fermentation and aging. The result is a collection of wines that range from fresh and vibrant to rich and complex, each offering something different for the wine enthusiast.
Why we Love this Grape Variety
There’s a reason albariño/alvarinho is so revered. Its versatility, elegance, and food-friendly nature make it one of the world’s great white grape varieties. Whether you enjoy it young and zesty or prefer a more mature, oak-aged style, there’s an Alvarinho for every palate. Mendes has dedicated himself to making wines that embody the best of the variety, with each bottle offering a glimpse into the distinct soils and microclimates of the region.
On a personal note, we are excited to introduceWeathercraft’s 2023 Barrel-fermented Albariño, a wine that draws inspiration from the incredible wines of Portugal and Spain and the meticulous craftsmanship of winemakers like Anselmo Mendes. As we release this new wine on the eve of our 2025 vintage, I hope it conveys the same sense of place, passion, and precision that Mendes’s wines evoke. Albariño, whether from Portugal or Spain, is a grape that continues to captivate, and it’s a privilege to share that journey through Weathercraft.
Enjoy the release, and here’s to discovering the many wonders of this white Iberian grape variety!
