Profile of Wine Region, Rias Baixas
Galicia Wine Map
Wineries in Rias Baixas Region
The landscapes of the Rias Baixas wine region in Spain's northwestern Galicia, starkly contrast
with the image many have of Spain- dry, hot, with a splash of bullfighting and flamenco. Galicia
is Celtic (whose legacy today is evident in the traditional regional instrument, the bagpipe,
called "la Gaita") spiritual and dreamy, with rolling emerald green hills covered in mist,
medieval castles, "Pazos" (beautiful, historic manor houses, many converted into small, charming
hotels), stunning coastline with romantic coves and sandy white beaches spotted with quaint
fishing villages. The Galicians have their own language distinct from Spanish, called "Gallego"
which resembles a mix of Portuguese and Spanish. Wine Labels from Galicia nearly always use
Gallego.
The Rias Baixas climate is Atlantic with heavy rainfall and high humidity. Temperatures are mild,
only dropping in December and January. There are an average 2,200 hours of direct sunlight per
year, not enough to make rich red wines but perfect for the production of the region's famed white
and light red wines. There are 2,200 ha under vine, and average yields are between 600 and 2,600
vines per hectare. The traditional white grape varietals allowed in the production of DO wine
include: Albariño (The star grape used to make wine with the same name), Loureira, Treixadura,
Caiño, Torrontés (used as a blender grape in Galicia, but interestingly this grape is being used
frequently as a single varietal in Argentina, perhaps evident of the massive migration of
Galicians to Argentina, where Argentines even refer to Spaniards as "Gallegos"), and Godello
(also used in other nearby wine producing regions including Ribeira Sacra, Monterrei and Ribeiro).
Grapes allowed in the DO for red wine production include Mencía and Brancellao (although the best
Rias Baixas wines are white).
The wine production area is subdivided into five areas: The Val do Salnés, the best sub region,
scattered around the picturesque village of Cambados, made up of 70% Albariño; Rosal, the
southernmost sub wine region located just south of the lovely town of Baiona (which happens to
have a beautiful Parador hotel). Albariño and Loureira are required to account for 70% of wine
production; Condado de Tea, a mountainous region along the right bank of the Miño River. Albariño
and Treixadura are required to account for 70% of wine production; Soutomaior, south of Pontevedra
and famous for a gorgeous castle; and Ribera del Ulla, the most recent addition to the Rias Baixas
DO, located east of the Valle del Salnés.
Top wine producers include: Martin Codax (known for superb Albariño wines, under the Martina
Codax, Burgans and Organistrum brands); Adegas Galegas (equally known for their fantastic wines
as their gorgeous wine labels, commissioned by top artists. Brands include: Dom Pedro de
Soutomaior, Gran Veigadares, and Rubines); Adegas Morgadío (extremely successful excellent value
Albariño under the Morgadío label); Bodegas Terras Gauda (again, known for its Albariño, made in
the Rosal sub wine region. Wines include: Abadía de San Campo, Terras Gauda and an interesting
Terras Gauda Etiqueta Negra, made with 70% cask fermented Albariño); and Bodegas Pazo de Barrantes
(a very stylish, upmarket Albariño made by the same family that own the world famous Rioja estate,
Marqués de Murrieta, run by the Count of Creixell, Vicente Cebrian and his sisters).
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