Green Spain: Galicia and Basque Country Flashcards
What regions are included in “Green Spain”?
The autonomía of Galicia, and the autonomías of Asturias, Cantabria, and País Vasco (Basque Country) along the northern Costa Verde
What is the climate of Galicia, and why is it ideal for wine production?
Galicia has a cooler maritime climate, ideal for producing crisp, refreshing white wines
How does Galicia differ from the typical conception of Spain’s landscape?
Galicia is a verdant region with lush vegetation, dense forests, and rías (estuaries), a contrast to the arid landscapes commonly associated with Spain
What are the five DOs within Galicia?
Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, Valdeorras, Ribeira Sacra, and Monterrei
What is the significance of Albariño in Rías Baixas DO?
Albariño is the primary grape, and a wine labeled Rías Baixas Albariño will not contain any blending grapes
How many subzones are in Rías Baixas DO, and can you name them?
There are five subzones: Val do Salnés, Ribeira do Ulla, Soutomaior, O Rosal, and Condado do Tea
What are the blending requirements for wines labeled with the northern subzones (Val do Salnés or Ribeira do Ulla) of Rías Baixas?
They must contain a minimum of 70% of recommended varieties: Albariño, Loureiro, Treixadura, and Caiño Blanco
How do the southern subzones of Rías Baixas differ in their blending requirements?
Wines must contain a minimum of 70% Albariño combined with either Loureira or Treixadura, depending on the subzone
What are the common characteristics of classic Albariño wines from Rías Baixas?
They tend to show stone fruit and citrus flowers, with an undercurrent of minerality
What percentage of vineyard acreage in Rías Baixas is devoted to Albariño?
Nearly 96% of the vineyard acreage is devoted to Albariño
What are the primary red grapes used in Rías Baixas DO?
Caiño, Espadeiro, and Mencía
What is significant about Ribeiro DO in the history of Spanish wine?
Ribeiro DO is one of Spain’s oldest recognized wine regions, with exports to England dating back to the 17th century
Where is Ribeiro DO located, and what are its primary grape varieties?
Ribeiro DO is located along the Miño River to the east of Rías Baixas. Treixadura is the favored white grape, and Caiño is preferred for reds
What is Vino Tostado, and where is it produced?
Vino Tostado is a local specialty dried grape wine produced in Ribeiro DO
What does Ribeira Sacra DO mean, and why is it named so?
Ribeira Sacra means “sacred bank,” named for its large concentration of churches