If you would like an alternative to Albarino, then look for another dry white called Godello. Like Albarino, it’s from Galicia in the far north of Spain, but from Monterrei as opposed to Rias Baixas. Personally, I think this is Spain’s best white wine, perhaps a little drier than Albarino and I think one could compare it to a good Chablis.
To concur with Sparky, the Verdejo from Rueda is also superb, but I think the Galician wines just have the edge. They are however, a little more expensive, and in the case of Godello, not that widely available, although I imagine most restaurants would stock at least one example.
Good to see you intend to try some new local wines, this for me is one of the great joys of spending time in PP. Whilst Albarino and Verdejo whites can be picked up from any supermarket in the UK now, that’s certainly not the case with Mallorcan wine, (
Marks & Spencer have been known to sell one of the Macia Batle reds, and while it’s good, I don’t think it warrants the £12 odd price they charge for it).
I’m sure you have already sampled a few of these local wines, but I don’t often come across one that disappoints. I think all the local restaurants now sell a fair few,
Stay and
La Llonja both have a wide choice, (Mortix, which is from Pollenca, Veritas, Ses Nines and Nounat are all excellent, although again they can be somewhat expensive).
Stairway To Heaven, which is a Sauvignon Blanc is worth a try, and they now have this at Maxims, and
El Posito, (as one would expect) and Brisa Marina also have a good local selection.
Regarding Cava, I think generally, the more you pay, the better the wine, but I’ve often had a bottle from the supermarket for 5 or 6 euros, with no complaints, (just serve it really cold!). Again, all of the larger supermarkets have a pretty impressive range of Spanish wines these days, I’m always spoilt for choice when browsing.