Uncorked with Henry Butler: Albariño or Alvarinho, that is the question.

Henry Butler of Butler's Wine Cellar in Brighton

The answer is enjoy both! There should be room in everyone's fridge for these popular, dry white wines.

Albariño gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Much like Picpoul, Malbec and Prosecco, it became a household name for many wine drinkers.

In 1988, the wine region Rias Baixas in north west Spain was legally recognised as a quality wine region specialising in Albariño wines which helped make it very marketable. The Portuguese version – Alvarinho – hung on to the coat tails and also became a go-to white grape of choice, just not in the same quantities as those of its Spanish counterpart.

Albariño and Alvarinho are genetically the same grape – the difference in their flavour profile is determined by where they are grown geographically. 

Albariño is mostly planted in the picturesque wine region of Rias Baixas, in verdant Galicia. I heartily recommend a visit – it’s a great place to enjoy this fruity dry white wine matched with garlic prawns in a seaside restaurant.

If you travel south, you enter the northern Portuguese region of Vinho Verde, where you’ll find some excellent examples of Alvarinho that match perfectly with barbecued sardines.

Albariño is also seen in small pockets in California and Australia, but these are made in very small quantities. It’s even planted in England although there are only a few hectares at the moment. The English cool climate somewhat replicates that of north west Spain, which suggests the varietal has potential to succeed.

These wines do not all taste the same. If the vines are planted in proximity to the cooling Atlantic ocean, the wines will be fresh, crisp and zesty. If the vineyards are situated inland, where the climate is warmer, the wines are more peachy, tropical and slightly richer.

If you love a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio then you’ll find its not a great leap into these Spanish and Portuguese white wines. Most examples will be light, fresh, fruit driven and unoaked. They drink well on their own and are versatile when it comes to food matching. For wine drinkers, there’s definitely a lot of fun to be had in this part of Iberia.

Butlers Wine Cellar, 88 St George's Road, Brighton BN2 1EE

01273 621 638 • www.butlers-winecellar.co.uk

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Soalheiro Alvarinho 2025 (Portugal)

The Soalheiro is an old Butler's favourite and a very classy wine indeed. You can’t quite put your finger on why it’s so good but before you know it, the bottle is empty. Citrus colour with an intense aroma of tropical fruit and mineral notes.

The Alvarinho grapes come from two subregions of the Minho. Monção and Melgaço are situated right on the north-west border along the Minho river. The diurnal climate of hot days alternating with cold nights, allows for the maintenance of a fresh and fruity aromas and an acidity which lends poise and elegance to the resulting wine. 

£19.99 from Butlers Wine Cellar

Valminor Albariño 2025 (Spain)

This is the winery’s signature Albariño, made with grapes grown on their own vineyards in O Rosal, a southern part of Rías Baixas, near the Atlantic coast and the Miño River. The 2025 vintage brings back a more traditional style. It's fresh, floral, and full of bright citrus flavour.

Aromas of mandarin, peach, and orange blossom. On the palate, it’s zesty and lively, with a mix of citrus and stone fruit, plus a soft touch of honeysuckle.

It’s crisp and refreshing, yet smooth enough to enjoy easily. The vibrant fruit and floral notes give it a long, flavourful finish. This wine pairs beautifully with seafood, especially mussels, oysters, or a seafood pasta or risotto.

£18.75 from Butlers Wine Cellar