Origins and Global Presence of Albariño/Alvarinho and Verdejo
Albariño/Alvarinho: The Coastal White of Iberia
Albariño, or Alvarinho as it is known in Portugal, is native to the misty borderlands between Galicia in Spain and the Minho region in Portugal. DNA research confirms that this grape is truly indigenous to the area, with a history that stretches back centuries. While legends once suggested it came from France or Germany, modern science has traced its roots firmly to the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, Albariño dominates the vineyards of Rías Baixas, where its bright, citrusy flavors are a perfect match for the region’s seafood. Across the border in Portugal, Alvarinho is the star of the Monção e Melgaço sub-region, producing some of the country’s most expressive white wines.
Beyond its Iberian homeland, Albariño has gained fans in wine regions with cool, ocean-influenced climates. California’s Central Coast, Uruguay’s Atlantic coast, and parts of Australia and New Zealand have all started to produce their own versions, each reflecting a unique sense of place. While Spain and Portugal remain the heart of Albariño production, the grape’s adaptability and lively character have inspired winemakers around the world to explore its potential.
Verdejo: Spain’s Heritage White
Verdejo’s story begins far from Spain, with its likely origin in North Africa. The grape made its way to the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages, probably brought by settlers moving north after the Reconquista. Verdejo was first planted in regions like Toro and Tierra del Vino, but it found its true home in the sandy soils of Rueda, where it flourished and became a symbol of Spanish white wine.
Today, Verdejo is almost entirely associated with Spain, and especially with Rueda, where it covers most of the vineyards and shapes the region’s identity. Outside of Spain, Verdejo is rarely seen, with only a handful of small plantings in places like Australia and California. Its strong link to Rueda highlights how some grapes can be deeply tied to a single region, creating wines that are both distinctive and true to their origins.