Holiday dining often finds drinkers reaching for red wine, even with lighter meats like chicken and turkey. But white can work, if you find a bottle that has a bold enough profile to stand up to the main dish. Why not albarino, a big crowd-pleaser that many will mistake for pinot grigio.

Here’s a pair to consider, both from Spain’s coveted Rias Baixas region.

2016 Altos de Torona Rosal Rias Baixas – A blend of albarino, caino, and loureiro grapes. Boldly honeyed, the wine runs from a sweet start to crisp grapefruit and lemon, with a finish that’s closer to tart green apples. A moderately nutty note winds throughout the experience. B+ / $15

2016 Morgadio Albarino Rias Baixas – While the nose is aromatic and well perfumed, the body is gummy, which gives it a bit of an industrial feel. The palate runs primarily to florals, with some lemon-lime notes and a sprinkle of cinnamon to distract you from that overly unctuous body. B- / $15

2016 Morgadio Albarino Rias Baixas

$15

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Rating

7.0/10