Considering Spain's hot, dry summers, it's no surprise that the country is a great source for lively white wines. But the fact that many of these bottlings are made from distinctive, native grape varieties is part of the reason I enjoy them year-round. For well-priced versions that deliver consistent quality and style, I look to textbook examples of local grapes or growing areas, usually fresh and recently released.
Whites from northwestern Spain's Rías Baixas DO are a leading example. Produced primarily from Albariño, these are racy wines with a floral overtone to their stone and citrus fruit flavors, plus a pronounced streak of salinity that recommends pairing them with almost anything from the sea. More than a quarter of the appellation's production is shipped stateside, making them widely available for U.S. consumers, with most bottles available for $25 or less.
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