Steve Bird
The Whanau Reserve Albarino 2024 750ml

While Spanish Albariño, particularly from the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, is known

for its saline edge, green apple crunch, and often a subtle oxidative character, New

Zealand Albariño—especially from Gisborne—tends to show greater fruit purity and

concentration. The warmer New Zealand climate, moderated by maritime influences,

produces wines with riper tropical and stone fruit notes, balanced by fresh acidity

rather than the sharper citrus profile found in Spain. Texturally, Gisborne Albariño

often shows more weight and roundness on the palate, with less reliance on lees

aging, allowing the variety’s natural vibrancy and coastal minerality to shine through