20.1 Spain - Galicia

Question 1

What is the main business type Rias Baixas?

Answer 1

Co-operatives

Question 2

What is the climate of Rias Baixas?

Answer 2

1) Maritime
2) Warm summers and mild winters due to Atlantic moderation
3) High annual rainfall

Question 3

What makes Albarino suitable to damp climates?

Answer 3

Thick skins that make it less prone to damage from rot

Question 4

Rias Baixas’s high rainfall poses what threat?

Answer 4

Fungal disease prior to harvest

Question 5

What are the soils of Rias Baixas?

Answer 5

Free-draining sand over granite

Question 6

What is the principal grape variety of Rias Baixas?

Answer 6

Albarino (95%)

Question 7

When does Albarino ripen?

Answer 7

Early to mid

Question 8

What three other varieties is are permitted to be blended with Albarino in Rias Baixas?

Answer 8

Loureira
Treixadura
Caiño Blanco

Question 9

Is red wine production permitted in Rias Baixas?

Answer 9

Yes, but accounts for only 1% of production

Question 10

What are the three (of 5) main sub-regions of Rias Baixas?

Answer 10

1) Val do Salnes
2) O Rosal
3) Condado do Tea

Question 11

What is the coolest, wettest sub-region of Rias Baixas and why?

Answer 11

1) Val do Salnes
2) It is located directly on the coast

Question 12

Why is O Rosal typically warmer than Val do Salnes? (2)

Answer 12

1) Its vineyards are on south-facing riverbank sites on the north of the river
2) It is less surrounded by the Atlantic

Question 13

Why does Condado do Tea produce wines that are riper in style with more peach fruit and slightly lower acidity?

Answer 13

It is further inland than Val do Salnes and O Rosal so warmer

Question 14

Name a Rias Baixas producer known for their quality

Answer 14

Pazo de Senorans

Question 15

What is the popular trellising system?

Answer 15

Pergola (Parral)

Question 16

Why is pergola the traditional training method in RB?

Answer 16

To promote air circulation and mitigate fungal disease

Question 17

Why are modern RB producers moving to VSP?

Answer 17

Easier to mechanise

Question 18

Describe RB’s winemaking in four general terms

Answer 18

1) Protective to retain fresh fruit flavours
2) The white grapes may be macerated for a few hours to enhance the intensity and texture.
3) Cool fermentation in stainless steel
4) Partial malolactic conversion in cool years to reduce malic acidity

Question 19

Are more premium expressions of RB stored on lees?

Answer 19

Yes, for 1-2 years and often longer though not stirred

Question 20

Is most Rias Baixas sold domestically or exported?

Answer 20

Domestically

Question 21

What are the main five Galician DOs?

Answer 21

1) Ribeiro DO
2) Ribeira Sacra DO
3) Valdeorras DO
4) Monterrei DO
5) Rias Baixas DO

Question 22

What is Ribeiro DO’s climate?

Answer 22

Maritime (just south-east of RB)

Question 23

What is the principal white grape variety of Ribeiro DO?

Answer 23

Treixadura

Question 24

What is the climate of Ribeira Sacra DO?

Answer 24

Continental with maritime influence depending on exposure

Question 25

Explain the terroir of Ribeira Sacra DO

Answer 25

Steep valley sides at various altitudes and aspects.

Question 26

What is the principal black grape variety of Ribeira Sacra DO?

Answer 26

Mencia

Question 27

What is the most easterly Galician DO?

Answer 27

Valdeorras DO

Question 28

What is the climate of Valdeorras DO?

Answer 28

Continental but with plentiful rain

Question 29

What is the principale variety of Valdeorras?

Answer 29

Godello

Question 30

At what altitude are most Valdeorras vineyards planted?

Answer 30

300m

Question 31

What is the climate of Monterrei DO?

Answer 31

Continental with hot summers and relatively low rainfall

Question 32

Monterrei DO is mostly bulk but quality-minded producers are crafting which varieties?

Answer 32

1) Godello
2) Mencia

Question 33

What are the soils of Ribeira Sacra DO?

Answer 33

Stony slopes that provide good drainage and conduct heat during the day

Question 34

Where within Galicia is Monterrei DO?

Answer 34

Inland to the south on the Portuguese border