Albariño - Fiano
Two wines I opened this week, an Albariño from the Iberian Peninsula, Rias Baixas, northwest Spain, and an Italian Fiano from the Salento region. Both were similar prices around the £10-£14 mark depending on where you buy it, so read on to find out my thoughts on both……….
Viña Lareira Albariño (Sobre Lias) 2020
Albariño is one of Spain’s signature white wines, mainly from Rias Baixas in Galicia (which is on the northwestern coast of Spain).
The first thing you notice in the glass is the colour which is on the darker side than normal, and there are some heady aromas of lemon, apricots, and honeydew melon, quite a sweetish smell overall.
On first sip there isn’t so much of that trademark bright fresh acidity you find with a lot of Albariño’s, although there is some. Apricots are to the fore with some stewed pear. ‘Sobres Lias’ on the bottle refers to the wine ageing on Lees (for 6 months) this gives it that slightly heavier feel as opposed to light and spritzy.
Apricots, stewed pears again in the taste along with some nectarine and a slight lemony tang. It did feel kind of plush and heavier than I would like, but it was enjoyable enough but given the choice, a brighter Albariño would be more to my liking.
Viña Lareira Albariño 2020……. Waitrose £12.99
Boccantino Fiano 2020
Off to southern Italy now and a Fiano from Salento, situated in the south-eastern region of Puglia.
Clear, light and fresh in the glass, with a gentle greenish hue, very aromatic with a lovely floral aroma, there’s also some orange, mango and apple in the mix.
First mouthful reveals some apple and pears, with a little honeyed sweetness, it’s slightly waxy but not overly and still retains a bracing freshness and acidity. There seems like a touch of oak and a mere tinge of almonds but again this is all in balance.
This really was a treat and very enjoyable on its own or with food.
Boccantino Fiano 2020…….Wickhams £14
