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Etxea
Varietal: Albarino
Albarino grapes are very pale in color, and grow best in hot and humid regions. They have their origin in Spain, and are cultivated in huge numbers all over the Iberian coastlines, where they are widely enjoyed and have contributed much to the white wine culture of Spain and Portugal. Today, they are grown in several countries around the world, in regions which have the right climatic conditions in which they can fully ripen and express their unique qualities and characteristics. These light green skinned grapes are prized for their relatively high acid content, which results in tart, sharp wines balanced by their natural flavors of peach and apricot. The grapes produce highly aromatic wines, with a pleasant level of bitterness brought about by the fruit's thick skins.
Region: California
When it comes to New World wine regions, it is widely agreed that many of the finest wines are grown and produced in California. The long stretches of coastline and the valleys and mountainsides which come off them are ideal areas for vine cultivation, and for over a century now, wineries have found a perfect home in the hot, dry state, with many of the wines produced here going on to reach world class status. The state is greatly helped by the brisk oceanic winds which cool the otherwise hot and dry vineyards, which hold mineral rich soils covering vast areas and featuring many established wineries. The state is split into four main regions, the largest by far being the central valley which stretches over three hundred miles in length.
Country: United States
Whilst there are several strains of native grape varietals in the United States, it was the introduction of the European species which prompted the country to begin producing wines on a large scale. Over the past few centuries, experimentation and cross-breeding has produced great successes in regards to the quality and suitability of the fruit grown in states such as California, Oregon, Washington and New York, and the past few decades have seen New World wines from the United States reach much higher standards. Arguably the finest United States wines have always come out of California, where the climate and terrroir is most suitable for fine wine production. The masterful blending of classic grape varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, amongst others including Syrah and Chardonnay, have had world beating results in recent years, prompting many to suggest that there has never been a better time for buying and drinking United States wines.