Rias Baixas

Rías Baixas lies along Spain’s northwest coast, within the greater Galicia region, stretching around 100km from just south of Santiago de Compostela to the Portuguese border. Given its location, it is no surprise that the Atlantic Ocean wields a great influence over this region, significantly contributing to its very high levels of rainfall, occasionally exceeding 1,800 millimetres per year. Albariño thrives in this environment, where the cooling influence of the ocean, along with the fog and mists, temper the heat, ensuring the grape retain the vital acidity that make such a delicious wine. Rías Baixas is sub-divided into five zones: Val do Salnés, Condado do Tea, O Rosal, Soutomaior and Ribera do Ulla, with Val do Salnés and O Rosal lying directly on the coast. It is from these two sub-regions that arguably the finest Albariño is made, showing pungent aromatics, verve and vibrant acidity, with floral notes and occasionally a little spritz on the finish. Other white varieties, such as Loureiro, Torrontes and Treixadura are also grown, as well as the rare Glacian grape Caiño Blanco. Few reds are produced here, mainly from Mencia and Sousao.