Alvarinho is perhaps better known by its Spanish synonym Albariño. It flourishes in northern Portugal close to the border with Spain, just across the River Minho from the vineyards of the Rías Baixas region, famed for its aromatic wines made from the same grape. Unoaked the wine shows notes of citrus fruit, such as grapefruit zest; the palate has good weight a lively acidity and a touch of minerality.