Spain has always been a great place to look for high quality red wines at an affordable price point. But what about Spanish whites? Having played second fiddle to the full-bodied reds of Rioja and the Duero, Spanish whites are starting to take their rightful place centre stage. From the consistently fresh Albariño’s of Galicia to the lively, fresh Txacoli wines of the Basque country, Spanish whites are increasing in popularity across the board. We’re going to have a look at some styles and grape varieties that you may come across upon your Spanish wine adventures!

 
Produced primarily in the fiercely independent Basque Country of Northern Spain, and consumed, well-chilled, in tumbler glasses poured from a great height by bar men in the pintxos (Basque Tapas) bars around San Sebastian and Bilbao. Bodegas Katxina Txacoli 2016, 75cl, £13.85 Txakoli (cha-ko-lee) is a spritzy, light bodied and low alcohol white with excellent acidity.  A wine of great personality; well-balanced acidity and a great palate, it is fresh, vibrant, with a fruity aroma and round on the palate, where it leaves a pleasant and lasting taste. A great aperitif and something different to prosecco, if you've been to San Sebastian, you will know as every bar and restaurant will serve you this to drink! It combines very well with good-quality fish, Iberian-pork-based appetisers, salads, rice dishes and fried seafood tapas.
 
Another new wine to seek out is Godello, a white grape variety primarily found in northwest Spain. Our Godello’s here at JN both come from the Bierzo DO in León, Northern Spain.  The grape is capable of producing very fine white wines. Godello is one of the oldest varieties in Spain, and certainly one of the most fashionable Spanish white grapes. Godello is a grape that is a rising and triumphing among younger consumers for its personality, authenticity and differentiation. Vinedos y Bodegas Dominio De Tares Godello 2014, 75cl £17.99 is a dry, full bodied wine with hints of fragrant herbs and creamy oak. It is perfect to enjoy it with light and medium bodied dishes like snacks, tapas, baked fish, pasta and paella.
 
Albariño is a variety of white wine grape grown in Galicia, northwest Spain as well as Portugal, where it is used to make varietal white wines. Albariño is the Galician name for the grape; in Portugal it is known as Alvarinho. Much of Spain’s top Albariño comes from Rías Baixas. It is also common in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal. The wine produced is usually light, and generally high in acidity with lower alcohol levels.  Our award winning  Altos de Torona Albariño 2016 75cl, £12.99, comes from Rias Baixas, an area of Galicia close to the Atlantic Ocean. Fermented in stainless steel and aged on its fine lees before bottling, modern wine technology produces a delicious wine with aromas of apple and stone fruit, toast and minerals. It is perfectly balanced with a lingering citrus finish, combining the region's purest tradition and grapes. A lovely young and vibrant wine, enjoy it with shellfish or white fish, seafood or chilled as an aperitif.  This is a great alternative for a Sauvignon Blanc drinker looking for something a little bit different.
 
To view our full list of Spanish White wines click here.