Albariño voted Spain’s best white

Fashionable white grape Albariño has scooped two “best in show” gongs at the Wines from Spain Awards 2013, proving its popularity is showing no sign of slowing.

Rafael Palacios’ Louro Godello 2012 was voted Best White in Show at the Wines from Spain Awards 2013

Bodegas La Val Viña Ludy Albariño 2012 from Rías Baixas was voted the Best White Under £10 at the competition, while the much heralded Pazo de Señorans The Society’s Exhibition Albariño 2012 walked away with the Best White Over £10 trophy.

But the aromatic variety, loved for its stone fruit character, is facing increased competition from its northwestern Spanish neighbour, Godello from Valdeorras.

Rafael Palacios Louro 2012 Godello was jointly voted the Best White Over £10 in the competition, but was also named Best White in Show.

Viña Ludy Albariño 2012 scooped Best White Under £10

“Both the Pazo de Señorans and the Louro merited the Best White Over £10 title, but the Godello had the edge, hence the Best in Show nod,” Wines From Spain’s Alison Dillon told the drinks business.

“People are turning their attention to Spanish whites and Albariño continues to thrive, but Godello is proving a real pretender to Albariño’s throne,” said Dillon.

“I don’t see Godello knocking Albariño off its perch, but rather coming up from behind to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with it. Both grapes respond well to oak and have ageing potential,” she added.

One of the big surprises of the competition was a sparkling Albariño, Bodegas Pablo Padín Feitizo da Noite Brut NV, which scooped an award in the fizz category.

“We had winners from 34 different regions, from Cigales to Mallorca  – it was such a mixed bag, which stands as a testament to Spain’s astonishing diversity,” Dillon told db.

“The winners are a road map to help consumers discover more about Spanish wine – the wine scene in Spain has never been more dynamic,” she added.