From: Rias Baixas, Spain
Varietal: Albarino
Taste: In the glass, you’ll find aromas of ripe citrus fruits, white peach, green apple, and white flowers. On the palate, it is fresh and lively, with a crisp acidity that balances the ripe citrus & fruit flavors alongside those refreshing mineral notes. The mineral notes are more pronounced on the palate, with a saline quality that gives the wine a refreshing, briny finish.
Pairing: This versatile and delicious white wine can be paired with a variety of dishes. Its crisp acidity and fruit-forward flavors make it an excellent match for seafood, salads, and light appetizers. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing aperitif. We’re combining a few of the concepts below for our shared recipe pairing by Mark Bittman for an easy, 30 minute Paella aptly named “Easy Paella.”
Regional Pairings:
In the Rías Baixas region of Spain, Do Ferreiro Albariño is often paired with local seafood dishes, such as grilled octopus, prawns, or clams. It is also a great match for traditional Galician dishes such as empanadas, pulpo a la gallega, or caldo gallego, a hearty soup made with white beans, kale, and pork.
Vegetarian Pairings:
For vegetarian dishes, Do Ferreiro Albariño pairs well with light and fresh flavors such as vegetable salads, grilled vegetables, and vegetarian sushi rolls. It can also be enjoyed with vegetarian dishes that have a slightly spicy kick, such as Indian curries or Thai stir-fries.
Specific Pairings:
Grilled Shrimp Salad - The bright acidity of Do Ferreiro Albariño pairs perfectly with grilled shrimp salad, with the wine complementing the sweet and savory flavors of the shrimp and the tanginess of the dressing.
Vegetable Paella - The fresh fruit flavors and minerality of Do Ferreiro Albariño complement the fresh vegetables and spices of a vegetable paella, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing.
Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri Sauce - The crisp acidity of Do Ferreiro Albariño pairs well with the tangy and herbaceous flavors of chimichurri sauce, making it an excellent match for grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and peppers.
Overall, the 2021 Do Ferreiro Albariño is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. Its bright fruit flavors, crisp acidity, and refreshing finish make it an ideal pairing for light and fresh flavors, as well as dishes with a slightly spicy kick.
Easy Paella
By Mark Bittman
About. This winery, founded in 1973, is currently run by Gerardo Méndez. Gerardo owns 10 hectares, three of which are over 50 years old, and one of which is over 200 years old. The vineyards follow organic guidelines, avoiding the use of pesticides and non-organic fertilizers. In addition, Gerardo is devoted to the use of indigenous yeasts believing that through their usage the true qualities of his terruño can appear.
Gerardo farms over 175 plots of Albariño, all located in the sub-zone of Salnès. This valley’s proximity to the ocean and protection by mountain ranges has gained it the reputation for being the best area in Rías Baixas for viticulture and some of the best Albariño out there.