Galicia Flashcards
Descibe Galicia
- Autonomous community in N.W. Spain.
- Close to Atlantic
- Wet weather due to maritime influence
Describe Rias Baixas
Largest DO in Galicia
280,000hL produced annually (2021); Up from 3,500L in 1991
4300ha undervine, 5000 grape growers
180 wineries, co-ops dominant
Hybrid Varities post Phylloxera
High yeilding Palamino was widely planted
Incresed incentive for indigenous varieties (Albarino) & Modern Winemaking Equipment
Fresh fruity, affordable wine - growth in Spain and Export
What is the Growing Environment of Rias Baixas
Most Westerly Spanish DO, borders Atlantic
Maratime climate; moderated by Atlantic
Warm summers, mild winters
High fungal disease pressure, rain prior to harvest key issues
Sand over Granite soils, free draining. No wet roots.
Describe Albarino
well suited to damp climate, thick skins, less prone to rot
Early to mid ripening, can ripen in most years
High Acid, Medium minus to medim body, medium abv
Lemon, Grapefruit, Peach and sometimes Floral
Generally single varietal; somtimes blended with Loureiro, Treixadura & Caino Blanco
Other White Grapes of Rias Baixas
Loureiro
Early Ripening, Medium Plus Acid,
Citrus, Pear, Floral, Herbal
Treixadura
Mid-ripening, low acid
Apple, Peach
Caino Blanco
Late Ripening, High Acid
Citrus
What are the Black Grapes of Rias Baixas
Souson (Vinhao)
Caino Tinto
Both Make-up 1% of Rais Baixas production
What are the 5 Sub-Zones of Rias Baixas
Val do Salnes; oldest, greatest plantings
O Rosal; on River Mino, borders Portugal
Condado do Tea; inland of O Rosal,
Ribera do Ulla; newest subzone,
Soutomaior; smallest subzone
Describe White Wines from Rias Baixas
High Acid, Medium Minus Body, Medium Alcohol
Peach, Melon, Lemon
Good to Very Good, some Outstanding Examples
Mid Priced to Premium
Quality Producers; Pazo de Senorans, Palacio de Fefinanes
Describe the Viticulture of Rias Baixas
Pergola trellising system popular; using granite stone supports. Does well in humidity. Originally for other agricultural crop growth. Promotes air circulation to mitigate fungal disease pressure.
Bigger growers use VSP for mechanised production.
Describe Rias Baixas Winemaking
Protective to retian fresh fruit flaivours
Maceration of white grapes for a few hours for intencity of flavour & texture
Cool ferment in stainless steel common
Partial malo common, particularly in cool years and in cool sub zones (Val do Salnes) to reduce malic acids rather than add buttery flavours
Inexpensive wines released early
More expensive wines stored on lees (sobre lias) for 1-2 years typically (some longer), unstirred or occasionally stirred for texture.
Some expensive wines matured in oak; varied in size and age.
Describe the wine business of Rias Baixas
1/4 of sales from export, increased over the last few decades.
USA and UK biggest markets.
Describe the Ribeiro DO
Westerly DO, east of south Rias Baixas
Maritime climate but more sheltered than Rias Baixas; temperate, high rainfall
Mostly White Wines - Treixadura mostly planted, either single variety or primary component in blends.
Expensive wines commonly fermented and/or matured in Oak.
Describe Ribeira Sacra DO
Further inland, follows the valley of River Mino north, River Sil east to wher they meet
Mainly continental, but some maritime influence based on site exposition
Many vinyeards on deep valley sides, with various altitudes and aspects.
Stony slopes with good draiage, conduct heat during the day, labour intensive viticulture.
Red wines; Mencia.
Red Cherry, Raspberry
Medium Body, Medium Tannin, Medium + Acidity
Mid Priced, fresh, early drinking style
Describe Valdeorras DO
Further up River Sil; most easterly Galician DO
Continental Climate, plenty of rain, 700-1000mm anually.
300m above sea level vineyards
Diverse range of soils
Godello
Good & Very Good
Citrus, Stone fruit, herbal, Wet stone
Medium + Acid
Premium wines often fermented & matured in Oak, adding texture & toast
Mencia
Small plantings compared to Godello
Describe Monterrei DO
South of Ribeira Sacra, on border of Portugal
Inland, sheltered fom ocean by Sierra de Larouca mountains.
Continental Climate, hot summers, low rianfall
Inexpensive bulk wines, some good quality Mencia & Godello, riper than Ribeira Sacra
