ODE TO ALBARIÑO

Deep down we are all poets. Only sometimes we need to be reminded of this or inspired by something. And what better inspiration than Albariño? Say it with gusto: alba-riño or whisper it slowly: AL-BA-RI-ÑO. It sounds like music to your ears. Well, at least, to mine.

It’s a joy to the palate, too. Aromatic, vibrant and delicious, lemon in colour and so bright that it’s almost translucent, with distinctive flavours of peach and citrus on the nose and palate, and a smooth, nearly silky texture, well-balanced, with acidity. It’s ideal on its own or with cooked prawns (but not with chilli!), other shellfish and seafood or with cooked or grilled white fish and lightly seasoned fresh green salad with olive oil on a hot summer’s day or a sultry, romantic evening. It also goes well with brie, mild cheddar, Norwegian Jarlsberg and other mild flavoured cheeses. And if you really can’t resist some cheesecake, spoil yourself with Zesty Lemon Cheesecake from M&S. It goes down nicely with a glass of chilled Albariño.

As some stories have it, this small white grape with a thick skin may have come to Galicia in northwest Spain originally from the Rhine, but the locals think otherwise. Albariño is guzzled up by the locals and tourists alike, leaving only a few drops for the rest of the world to taste. The divine virtues of Albariño are celebrated in the village of Cambados (near Ponteverde), the centre of Albariño country, during the first weekend in August. It’s one of the oldest gastronomic festivals, which begins near the Parador Albariño and lasts for 3 days in the style the Spanish are so famous for. And there isn’t a dry palate to be found anywhere.

2005 MARTIN CODAX, Albariño 100%, by Martin Codax, Rias Baixas DO (Spain), 13% alcohol – to be served at 12°

(Majestic - £8.49, 2 in a case - £6.99)

Try also Oddbins for another brand, Burgans, by Martin Codax - £8.49.