I always enjoy a nice cool glass of white wine, but sometimes I feel like Goldilocks in that it is hard for me to find a white that is "just right."  Some Pinot Grigios are too watery for my taste, Sauvignon Blancs too tart, and Chardonnays too heavy.  That is why I was ecstatic when I discovered the Albarino grape many years ago when I became friends with someone from Galicia, the province in Spain where the Albarino grape grows.

Albarinos have more body than a Pinot Grigio, but are not as oaky or heavy as a Chardonnay.  They are fruity and zesty, and pair well with seafood.  And because of their balanced character Albarinos can also stand well on their on as an aperitif when you want to enjoy a glass of wine without food.  (which I do every now and then!)

This past weekend I purchased the 2010 La Cana Albarino from Stew Leonard's Wine Shop for $14.99.  This wine is fruity with lemon and mineral flavors, and has a nice medium body as the wine is partially fermented in barrels and aged sur lie.  If you can't find this wine locally for less than $15 you can purchase it online here for $16.99.  In my opinion this is still a good deal as it is being sold for $19 elsewhere.

For more information on the Albarino varietal, check out this informative article on the Albarino grape from Food and Wine.

What do you plan on drinking this weekend?

This weekend I plan on picking up a bottle of Otto's Constant Dream Sauvignon Blanc.  This is is a crisp and fruity Sauvignon Blanc that is produced by a husband and wife team in Brooklyn.  I discovered this wine two weeks ago at The Vintage Grape on Third Avenue.  This bottle usually retails for $14.99, but you can find it in store or online at The Vintage Grape for $11.99.  If you like the widely sold Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc I think you should give this one a try!  And if you want to read more about this interesting local husband and wife wine producing team, I suggest reading this New York Times article that explains their journey into wine production.

Because Sauvignon Blanc is typically a lighter more acidic white wine it does not go as well with red meats or heavier dishes with butter or cream.  I would suggest trying it with a Greek salad for dinner this weekend as a compliment to the Mediterranean flavors and acidic feta cheese in the salad.  Other good options would be a roasted chicken with fresh herbs or a grilled white fish.

What do you plan on drinking this weekend?