DRINK DIFFERENT - ALBARINO

Rarely seen on restaurant wine lists a decade ago, Albarino has become a popular workhorse wine on many lists.  In fact the name of white grape, it is generally taken to mean the white wine from Galicia in the far west of Spain. 

Generally quite light, but with Viognier-type notes of apricot and peach, it is a versatile wine which goes with many different types of food.

A lesser-known alternative which is proving very popular at The Last comes from Alentajo in southern Portugal.  Pato Frio is made from a blend of Antão Vaz, Arinto and Síria (typical grapes from the region).  It has notes of tropical and citrus fruits with a tone of minerality, mixed with notes of green vine.  Definitely worth a try, and better value than the increasingly expensive Albarino.