Looking for a fun white combination? Today we’re going to explore the wonderful combination of Albarino and Pinot Grigio. You’ll find this in WineShop At Home’s new wine called Joy Cellars Merriment.
About Albariño
According to Wine Folly, “Albariño wine (“alba-reen-yo”) is a high-quality, light-bodied white that grows mostly in Spain and Portugal. It’s loved for its high acidity, refreshing citrus flavors, dry taste, and subtle saltiness. For seafood lovers, Albariño is a fantastic choice for pairing with exquisite dishes like ceviche, fish tacos, seafood pasta, and shrimp.”
About Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a pink-colored grape because of its relationship to Pinot Noir. Like Albariño, Pinot Grigio is known for its refreshing citrus flavor and zesty acidity. It can also have notes of honey.
Differences Between Albariño and Pinot Grigio
Last Bottle Wines highlights that Albariño is a bigger deal than Pinot Grigio. Here’s what they say: “There’s nothing ‘wrong’ with Pinot Grigio. Slurpy somms and jaded retailers tilt their noses at it, often writing it off as ‘insipid’ or ‘anemic,’ but really it’s a fine gateway wine, fruity and easy drinking, if not very complex. Inevitably there will come a time when you want something with a little more verve. More substance. Something with all that peachy, tart apple, citrusy goodness of Pinot Grigio plus a little extra brain tickling power. That something is a bottle of Albariño.”
About the Combination of Albariño and Pinot Grigio
Our Joy Cellars 2022 Merriment, which was released in November, is the first blend I’ve seen of these two varietals, which display minerality and orange blossom, grapefruit, citrus, mandarin and hay characters. In the mouth, the attack is dry with a good amount of acidity. This is a wine with short intensity and a round mouthfeel. More fruits flavors, brown sugar and notes of baked goods shine into the finish.
The varietal breakdown in this wine is 52% Albarino and 48% Pinot Gris. The alcohol level is nice and low at 12%.
Merriment pairs well with creamy pasta, spring rolls, grilled fish, crab cakes, scallops, chicken salad, brie, cheddar and goat cheese.
To buy a few bottles, please visit my website.
