The days of finding compelling, sub-$20 Albarino are long gone...until today! I think I've found one of the best values out there, and it's the 2024 Luz de Faro Albarino.
I hate to be the one to break it to you, but Spain’s great white grape has officially been discovered, and it is more popular than ever. It deserves the recognition, as Albarino can produce truly compelling, world-class wines, but I miss the days of sub-$20 Albarino...I'm sure you do too. While this one isn't quite there, it's close enough, and I would happily put it up against a lot of $25+ versions. It would fare well!
The Luz de Faro Albarino comes from the Condado de Tea subzone of Rias Baixas, along the border of Galicia and Portugal, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mino River both have a strong influence. Though it is the second largest subzone, it produces just 20% of the region’s wine. The slightly warmer, drier conditions give the wines more depth and texture without sacrificing that vibrant, fresh edge.
Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, this strikes a beautiful balance between riper stone fruits like peach and nectarine and brighter citrus tones of tangerine and lime. Best of all, that gorgeous fruit is grounded by a clean, zesty, and mineral-driven backbone. It is quintessential Albarino, easy to drink and refreshing, yet layered enough to keep you thinking about the next sip.
I am already planning my next seafood dinner around this one, simple shrimp with garlic and chili, sauteed in good olive oil and a splash of this wine, with plenty of crusty bread to soak up every bit of that pan sauce. Sounds pretty good, right? Trust me, follow my lead and you can thank me next time you are in the shop.
We have not featured an Albarino like this in a while, and I suspect it will sell through fast.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
