Movie & Wine Pairing

wine

Sendero des Santos Albariño 2013
Rías Baixas DO, Spain

Mister Roberts (1955)
SATURDAY, APRIL 29 @ 02:00 PM (ET)
SATURDAY, MAY 27 @ 10:30 PM (ET)

A perfect match for a grape with a salty, marine note is John Ford’s adaptation of Mister Roberts, with Henry Fonda as the title character and James Cagney as the thick-skinned and dictatorial captain. The movie’s comedic highlight is Jack Lemmon in one of his earliest performances, which remains as fresh today as this crisp and aromatic Albariño.

ALBARIÑO

WINE STYLE

WELL CHILLED

SEAFOOD

APERITIF

THE WINE

When our Spanish expert Beth Willard first introduced this tropical-peachy Albariño, she declared that it was “the scoop of the year.” Why? It’s from one of the most sought-after (expensive!) producers in Rías Baixas. Beth convinced them to part ways with it for a fraction of what their regular customers pay. The first two vintages scored big on the international awards circuit, and now the fresh 2013 is ready to impress. For a match made in culinary heaven, go for any kind of seafood – see over for some inspiration.

THE GRAPE

Hailed by Jancis Robinson as a “fashionable, highquality, fresh, aromatic variety,” Albariño is one of Spain’s two flagship whites (the other is Verdejo). It’s quickly gained a following, making appearances on trendy wine lists across the country. Tiny amounts are now grown in the cooler-climate regions of California, Washington and Oregon. The grape’s marine note (sometimes it displays a faint, salty tang) is rather unique, but its refreshing character can be reminiscent of top-notch Rieslings.

THE REGION

Rías Baixas (pronounced REE-us BY-sh-us), is nestled in Spain’s northwestern corner. It’s a verdant, rainy region – quite unlike the rest of the country. As Food & Wine’s Ray Isle puts it: “It’s the one part of Spain where the locals are more likely to have a glass of white in hand than red.” While it’s true most red grapes don’t do well in the region’s wet, mild conditions, thick-skinned Albariño thrives here.

WITH FOOD

Spain’s Galician coast is renowned for its succulent, fresh-caught Atlantic seafood, and Albariño goes exceptionally well with local dishes. A specialty is fresh-grilled sardines (they’re a world away from their canned and salted counterparts) topped with rosemary, a squeeze of lemon and fruity Spanish olive oil. Grilled shrimp or steamed tilapia with lemony veggies will also work.