Galicia

Question 1

where is Rías Baixas DO located?

Answer 1

is a province of Galicia, on Atlantic coast, north-west of Spain

Question 2

what is the climate here in Rías Baixas DO?

Answer 2

Maritime

(region benefits from the lower temperatures, enhance the acid in the grapes)

Question 3

how many sub-zones are there in Rías Baixas DO?

Answer 3

5 sub-zones

•Val do Salnés
•Condado do Tea
•O Rosal
•Soutomaior
•Ribeira do Ulla

Question 4

what are the white grape varieties in Rías Baixas DO?

Answer 4

6 varieties:

•Albariño
•Loureira
•Treixadura
•Caiño Blanco
•Torrontés
•Godello

Question 5

wines labelled as Rías Baixas Albariño?

Answer 5

must be made from 100% Albariño

Question 6

wines labelled as Rías Baixas Condado do Tea?

Answer 6

min combined of 70% Albariño & Treixadura

Question 7

wines labelled as Rías Baixas O Rosal?

Answer 7

min combined of 70% Albariño & Loureiro

Question 8

wines labelled as Rías Baixas Val do Salnés & Ribeira do Ulla?

Answer 8

must contain min 70% Albariño, with 30% originating from sub-zones

(Soutomaior has very little production, 0.2% of total Rías Baixas production)

Question 9

is Malolactic (MLF) allowed in Rías Baixas DO white wines?

Answer 9

it is either not been permitted or is only partly permitted

Question 10

how are the wines in Rías Baixas DO like?

Answer 10

•bone dry and aromatic
•citrus fruit,
•high in acidity
•refreshing

Question 11

what is the best time to drink Rías Baixas wines?

Answer 11

best to drunk young, up to 3 years old

Question 12

What is the general climate of Galicia compared to the rest of Spain?

Answer 12

Maritime, humid, cooler than rest of Spain

Maritime on the coast, become more continental moving inland

Question 13

What are the 2 main bodies of water affecting Galicia?

Answer 13

1. Atlantic Ocean
2. Miño River / Minho River (Portuguese)

Question 14

What kind of soil can be found in Galicia?

Answer 14

Granite

Question 15

What does “Rias Baixas” translate to English?

Answer 15

Low Esturaries

referencing the defining feature of the zone

Question 16

What type of trellising system do you see in Galicia and why?

Answer 16

Pergola system
•high canopy trellising because of humidity

Question 17

What is the predominant winemaking style found in Galicia?

Answer 17

•made with modern technology, stainless steels tanks
•lees aging is common

occasionally some producers used Barrique (barrica)

Question 18

What are the main white grapes found in Galicia?

Answer 18

•Albariño
•Godello

Question 19

What are the main red grapes found in Galicia?

Answer 19

Mencia