Leftfield Albarino

Albariño (pronounced al-bar-een-yoh) is widely planted in Spain and Portugal and over the years has become the cool, fashionable white to be sipping across Europe. It’s easy to see why it’s loved so much – a medium bodied, crisp, dry style white full of mouth filling zesty, citrus and tropical fruit flavours. It’s got plenty of appeal and especially those that love the aromatic styles like Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

When Leftfield Albarino was first launched NZ Herald’s VIVA said “The zesty, briny Albarino is the hottest new wine on Kiwi tables.”

More recently the 2023 vintage was selected in Decanter’s “Great-value white wine: 20 bottles to try (Under £20)” in January 2025. The Decanter selection (published last month) featured top value wines from Burgundy, the Loire, Sicily and Veneto in Italy, Mendoza in Argentina, Mosel in Germany and more…including this beauty from Gizzy!

The Decanter panel said “This aptly named wine – Left Field – is certainly compelling. Its character is big and bold, rich, ripe, tropical and a little buttery. Yet in the mouth it’s so racy, there’s so much zest and zip with a seriously mouthpuckering finish.”

Leftfield Albarino hasn’t gone unnoticed overseas either. One local UK wine column said “New Zealand has embraced Albariño with enthusiasm and is making some serious wines. With slightly riper flavours, positive peach notes, melon and lime freshness, this is well worth seeking out.”

If you’re pairing it with a feed think seafood, chicken, goat’s cheese, paella and tapas.