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NZ & International Albarino

April 21, 2026 (Cuisine magazine Issue 234)

Albariño is finding its feet in New Zealand and MARY- THÉRÈSE BLAIR believes the future is bright.

IN CONTRAST TO the surprise (mini) comeback we saw in riesling, there was a drop in albariño entries for the first time this year. That said, I firmly believe this wine has a bright future in New Zealand. Originating in the Galicia region of Spain, which sits in the northwest and is influenced by the cooling coastal climate that comes in off the Atlantic, this grape variety grows well in New Zealand and has high-toned fruit, brightness and freshness that could remind you of another Kiwi wine superstar. Where albariño sits apart from sauvignon is in its textbook salinity that fills your palate with saliva and gives the most wonderful lipsmacking experience. For me this juiciness is the secret sauce that makes albariño just so glorious and moreish. This is a wine that I reach for again and again, particularly in summer. I hope these recommendations guide you to the very best local (and Spanish) albariño available to you while the days are still warm.

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Mount Riley Albariño

I THINK IT’S SAFE TO SAY that in the wine world consistency is everything and the Mount Riley Estate range has that in spades. This combined with the range’s great value is a winning combination for wine lovers. While relatively new to the albariño game, releasing their first in 2020, the wine is fantastic. Having an albariño of this quality widely available at a reasonable price is the best news for those passionate about New Zealand albariño. It should be mentioned that head judge Simon Nunns made New Zealand’s first ever commercial albariño, released in 2012 during his time at Coopers Creek. It is he who has both seeded and encouraged my passion for the varietal and we collectively and individually are committed to telling the New Zealand albariño story to anyone who will listen – and some who won’t – but I digress. Mount Riley has truly made something special with this albariño with aromas of crunchy green apple sitting alongside limes, guava and jasmine on the nose. The palate is vibrant and zesty thanks to the incredible acidity that drives the palate ever forward but with a mid palate mouth watering salinity that is classic albariño, finishes fresh and crisp and ultimately with the drinker reaching for the bottle to pour just ‘one more glass’. Superb.

| $17
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