Grape Varieties - Galicia

Question 1

What is considered THE grape variety of Rias Baixas and what percentage of its national plantings are found there?

Answer 1

• Albarino

- 90%

Question 2

Describe the physical characteristics of Albarino.

Answer 2

• Small
• High in sugar
• High in glycerol
• Thick skinned which aids disease resistance in the wet climate of Rias Baixas
• Performs well in shallow sandy soils

Question 3

List five white varieties permitted in Galicia.

Answer 3

• Albarino
• Treixadura
• Loureiro
• Godello
• Palomino Fino
• Lado
• Torrontes

Question 4

Describe wines produced from Treixadura.

Answer 4

Fuller bodied than one would expect for the relatively cool climate but still with good acid to counter this, wines are aromatic with apple and floral notes.

Question 5

Describe the physical characteristics of Treixadura.

Answer 5

• Thick skinned aiding disease resistance in the wet Galcian climate.
• Accumulates sugar well meaning wines can reach 13%

Question 6

Treixadura is grown in Rias Baixas but where is it the main grape?

Answer 6

Ribeiro.

Question 7

Describe wines made from Godello.

Answer 7

High acidity, rich in ripe peachy fruit.

Question 8

Name three Galician D.O.’s where Godello is grown.

Answer 8

• Ribeira Sacra
• Monterrei
• Valdeorras

Question 9

Summarise Loureiro.

Answer 9

A productive laurel scented varietal grown in Rias Baixas, often blended with Albarino and Treixadura.

Question 10

Describe the two styles seen in wines made from Mencia.

Answer 10

• Fresh, crisp fruit with snappy acidity for higher yielding vines on flatter sites.
• Rich, concentrated wines, with complexity from lower yielding old bush vines in hillside sites.