Last night we enjoyed a bottle of 2009 Laxas Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain.  Albarino, which literally translates as ‘grape’, is thought to be a Riesling clone and fits somewhere in between a Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

This wonderfully balanced Albarino had lovely aromas of floral perfume. Fresh and crisp on the palate with hints of melon and apricot. Smooth and lush on the finish with no bitterness.  We paired the ’09 Laxas with Salmon with smokey chipolte sauce and Spanakopita last night at Paul’s Homewood Cafe in Annapolis.

If you are looking for an alternative to Chardonnay, seek out some Albarinos from Spain. Look for the ’09 Laxas and it won’t disappoint or break the bank at $19 a bottle ($30 on the wine list at Paul’s, a reasonable markup). Cheers!