Spain - Galicia

Question 1

Where’s Galicia? Where’s Rías Baixas on a map?

Answer 1

Northwest section of the Iberian Peninsula, also known as Green Spain.

Question 2

What’s the climate like?

Answer 2

Maritime, humid, cooler than the rest of Spain. Maritime on the coast, becoming more continental moving inland.

Question 3

Important physical features?

Answer 3

Bodies of Water: Atlantic Ocean, Miño River (Spanish)/Minho River (Portuguese) *Rías Baixas means “low estuaries,” referencing the defining feature of the zone.

Steep slopes in Ribeira Sacra

Question 4

Soil type?

Answer 4

Granite

Question 5

Name some noteable grape growing practices.

Answer 5

High canopy trellising because of humidity.

Terraced vineyards in Ribeira Sacra.

Question 6

What’s the white grape variety?

Answer 6

Albariño
Godello

Question 7

Name some notable winemaking practices.

Answer 7

Made with modern technology, stainless steel tanks. Lees aging is common.

Occasional barrique (barrica) use.

Question 8

What’s the red grape variety?

Answer 8

Mencía

Question 9

Wine Appellations?

Answer 9

Rías Baixas DO:
White Wines: Wines labeled Albariño must be 100% Albariño.

Valdeorras DO:
White Wines: Godello
Red Wines: Mencía

Ribeira Sacra DO
White Wines: Albariño, Godello,
Red Wines: Mencía

Question 10

Style?

Answer 10

Dry, crisp, aromatic white wines from the Albariño grape variety.

Dry, crisp white wines and light red wines. Fresh and neutral Godello in Valdeorras; Mencía, Godello, and Albariño in Ribeira Sacra.

Question 11

Name producers/ proprietary brands

Answer 11

Albariño: Pazo Señorans, Granbazán, Lagar de Cervera

Question 12

What to pair with Albariño?

Answer 12

Due to its location, crisp acidity, and delicate flavor profile, Albariño is a classic match for simply prepared shellfish and bivalves.