Airén grape variety

The Spanish grape variety Airén is one of the most widely cultivated white grapes in the world. It is particularly adaptable and resistant to drought, robust against most vine diseases and is considered to be high-yielding even on poor soils. In short, it seems to have been specially created for the Iberian climate. Airén wines are characterised by their straw-yellow colour and fresh aromas of citrus fruit, green apple and herbs. They are light on the palate, with moderate acidity and a pleasant character. These wines are ideal as an aperitif or as an uncomplicated accompaniment to fish, seafood and salads. It owes its widespread popularity not least to its important role as the basis for the production of Spanish brandy.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Airén wine

How can the typical flavour of the Airén grape variety be described?

The Airén grape variety produces wines that are usually light, fresh and rather neutral in character. It is not an aromatic "powerhouse" like a Sauvignon Blanc, but scores with its restraint. On the palate, it is often slender and very drinkable, making it an ideal wine for warm days.

What typical flavours can be found in a wine made from the Airén grape variety?

On the nose, the Airén grape variety often has subtle notes of green apple, banana and citrus fruit. Sometimes floral hints of white flowers or exotic nuances such as pineapple can also be found, especially if the wine has been fermented in a modern and cool way.

What is the acidity structure of the Airén grape variety?

The Airén grape variety typically has a rather moderate to low acidity. This makes the wines particularly mild and easy to digest. For wine lovers who are sensitive to high acidity, a white wine from Airén is often a pleasant alternative.

Where is the main growing area for the Airén grape variety?

The Airén grape variety is the undisputed queen of the Spanish Meseta plateau, especially in the La Mancha region. Here it covers huge areas and characterises the landscape like no other vine.

What influence does the hot climate of central Spain have on the Airén grape variety?

The Airén grape variety is a true miracle of survival. It is extremely resistant to heat and drought. It is perfectly adapted to the harsh climate of La Mancha thanks to its ability to thrive even in extreme sunlight and with little water.

What dishes harmonise best with the Airén grape variety?

Due to its subtle character, the Airén grape variety is a wonderful accompaniment to light tapas. Think of grilled sardines, fresh seafood, light-coloured poultry or young cheeses such as Manchego. It is also an excellent accompaniment to Asian cuisine that is not too spicy.

How does the Airén grape variety differ from the better-known Chardonnay grape variety?

Whilst Chardonnay often impresses with its body, smoothness and buttery notes (when aged in wood), the Airén grape variety always remains on the light, lean and neutral side. It is less "made up" and often appears purer than a typical Chardonnay.

Why is the Airén grape variety so often used for the production of Spanish brandy?

This is due to its high yield stability and its rather neutral profile. The Airén grape variety provides an ideal base wine for distillation, as it does not have any strong flavours of its own that would interfere with the later character of the Brandy de Jerez.

Discover more grape varieties for white wines.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the most widely cultivated white premium grape variety. Its origins probably lie in Burgundy, but today it is grown all over the world. One of the reasons for its success is its enormous ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that originated in the French Loire Valley and is known for its versatility. Chenin can be vinified both dry and sweet, still and sparkling. Its flavour is characterised by high acidity and lots of fruit such as green apple, pear or quince, often complemented by honey notes. Depending on the terroir and vinification, the grape can also show both mineral and floral tones.

Müller-Thurgau)

Müller-Thurgau is a white variety that is mainly cultivated in Germany and Austria. The wines are light to medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and a strong flavour, usually with a typical muscat tone. Müller-Thurgau wines are usually dry or semi-dry and vinified in steel tanks.

Silvaner

Silvaner is a white grape variety that originated in Austria, but is now most widespread in Germany, where it plays an important role alongside Riesling. Other noteworthy stocks can still be found in Alsace in France. The wines are known for their freshness, minerality and sometimes strong, earthy character.

Verdicchio

Verdicchio is a very old white grape variety from Italy, which is mainly cultivated in central Italy. The grapes produce dry to semi-dry white wines with a light yellow colour and a fresh, fruity taste. The flavours are reminiscent of green apples, pears, citrus fruits and hay meadows.

Weißburgunder

The Pinot Blanc grape - called Pinot Blanc in France and Pinot Bianco in Italy - is the lightest-coloured member of the large Burgundy family. The variety produces fresh, fruity wines whose acidity can vary from moderate to strong depending on the style and which develop delicate fruit flavours such as apples, pears or citrus fruits, often complemented by nutty notes such as almonds.

Carignan

Carignan originally comes from Spain - but today it is mainly at home in the neighbouring south of France, Languedoc-Roussillon. It is characterised by a deep dark colour, strong tannins and high acidity.

Carmenère

Carmenère gilt als die "Signature Grape" Chiles. Fast die Hälfte der weltweiten Bestände wachsen dort. Ursprünglich stammt die Sorte aber aus Bordeaux, wo vor der Reblauskatastrophe weit verbreitet war.

Dornfelder

The Dornfelder grape variety is the most successful new red variety from Germany. Dornfelder is known for its medium body and soft tannins - as well as its deep dark colour. However, it should not be confused with the similar-sounding Dunkelfelder variety.

Lemberger/Blaufränkisch

Lemberger, better known as Blaufränkisch in Austria, is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in southern Germany and Austria. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with moderate to strong tannins and fresh acidity. Lemberger wines have great finesse and the potential to reflect the terroir from which they originate.

Negroamaro

Negroamaro is a red grape variety from the south of Italy. The wines are usually powerful, full-bodied and tannic, with rich aromas of dark fruit such as blackcurrant or fully ripe cherry. The full-bodied aroma spectrum is often complemented by notes of spices and chocolate.

Pinotage

Pinotage is a cross between Hermitage (a synonym for Cinsault) and Pinot Noir, which originated in South Africa in the 1920s. The red grape variety produces powerful wines with high tannins and moderate acidity. It is early-ripening and typically displays red berry fruit flavours, which are complemented by spicy notes and often an unmistakable smoky or smoked bacon aroma.

Here you can find information on other grape varieties.