N/W Spain - Galicia - Rias Baixas

Answer 1

1970s: revival of the area (formerly planted with high yielding hybrids & Palomino for poor quality wine) further helped by EU funds after Spain joined the EU in 86. Main DO in Galicia.

Topography + Soils

• Northern Atlantic coast in the north-west of Spain and directly north of Portugal.
• 5 sub-zones, each w their terroir & climate. El Salnés, around Cambados w low rolling hills w rocky & alluvial soils.

• Atlantic climate w mild temperatures and high rainfall (up to 1,300mm in El Salnés). Wet winters & sea fog.• High vintage variation impacts quantity and prices.

Answer 2

Whites (90% of production)

1. Albarino – 90% of plantings
2. Native grape from Galicia almost extinct post-phylloxera
3. Thick-skinned to resist damp climates
4. Produces dry whites w hi acidity, light body and floral and fruity flavours of apples, apricots, lemons & peaches w a mineral edge
5. Mainly grown on the Atlantic coast

Others: Loureira blanca, Treixadura, Torrontes, Godello

Answer 3

Reds

1. Caino Tinto

• From Galicia
• Highly perfumed wines with hi tart acidity

Others: Caino Tinto, Espadeiro, Loureira Tinta, Mencia

Answer 4

2,700ha – DO since 1988
• Vines trained along granite posts (parrales) and wires to protect them from humidity and maximise sun exposure

• Key hazards: Dampness (-> disease control key); coastal winds, frosts, hailstones and summer heat

Winemaking Styles

• Rias Baixas DO must contain min 70% Albarino. All Galician wines to be drunk young.
• Experimentation with barrel fermentation for Albarino but mostly aromatic with high refreshing acidity.

o Martín Codax is one of the most popular producer w 1.5m btls/yr