The Albillo grape is a lesser-known but fascinating Spanish grape variety that predominantly hails from the wine regions of Ribera del Duero, Madrid and Castilla y León. This quintessentially Spanish grape has a strong historic presence, as references to it can be traced back all the way to the 15th century.
Albillo is traditionally used in the crafting of Spanish white wines. Its unique character is defined by its richly aromatic profile, often yielding sophisticated floral notes blended with nuances of ripe fruits such as apples, pears and peaches. Some selections even offer an intriguing whiff of musk, adding an extra dimension to its aromatic complexity.
In terms of physical characteristics, Albillo grapes are small, tightly packed and have a characteristic yellow colour when ripe, from which it gets its name, as ‘Albillo’ translates to 'white' or 'little white one' in English. These grapes also have an impressive natural sugar concentration resulting in alcoholic strength, which is pleasantly balanced by a healthy acid content. The marriage of these properties results in wines that are both vivacious and capable of lengthy ageing.
Despite its distinctive features and the delightful wines it produces, Albillo remains a relatively uncelebrated grape variety primarily due to its low-yield growth patterns. Consequently, it is often fused with other grape varieties to enhance the overall depth, structure and complexity of the wine rather than being used as a stand-alone grape.
However, the Albillo grape is gradually receiving the recognition it deserves. Several modern winemakers are now starting to explore the potential of this grape, using it in varietal wines and lending it the spotlight in the process. The result is a collection of sumptuous wines that display the intricate charm of the Albillo grape, encouraging wine enthusiasts to unearth and savour the magic of this hidden gem.
Buy Albillo wine below.
