Albillo

Albillo is a name used for several grape varieties grown in northwest Spain, particularly in Galicia. DNA analysis has revealed several variants, including the very old Albillo Mayor, Albillo Real and Albillo de Albacete. These varieties are often confused and not differentiated in official documentation. Albillo Mayor is a parent of Spain's flagship red grape Tempranillo, while Albillo Real is a crossing of Hebén and Folha de Figueira. Albillo is used to make red wine by adding it in small quantities to Garnacha and/or Tempranillo to lift aroma and soften tannins. It is also used to make single variety wines and is blended with other varieties such as Viura, Verdejo and Albariño. Albillo is grown in small amounts in Portugal and is known as Torrontes in Argentina.