Spain - Galicia/Rias Baixas

Question 1

Galicia/Rias Baixas map

Answer 1

ID Rias Baixas on map!

Question 2

Galicia/Rias Baixas geography (location)

Answer 2

Northwest section of Iberian Peninsula
Atlantic Ocean to east
Portugal to south

Question 3

Galicia/Rias Baixas geography (features)

Answer 3

• Known as Green Spain due to rainfall
• Mino River runs through
• Rias Baixas means “low estuaries” due to drainage of river
• Steep slopes in Ribeira Sacra

Question 4

Galicia/Rias Baixas climate

Answer 4

Maritime, humid, cooler than rest of Spain
More continental as you move inland

Question 5

Soil

Answer 5

Granite

Question 6

What kind of vine training is used here?

Answer 6

High canopy trellising due to humidity (to allow more airflow to prevent mold and rot)

Question 7

Where are there terraced vineyards?

Answer 7

Ribeira Sacra
Vineyards are on steep hills along Mino river

Question 8

Galicia vinification

Answer 8

Modern tech
Stainless steel tanks
Lees aging
Occassional barrique use

Question 9

White grapes

Answer 9

Albarino
Godello

Question 10

Red grape

Answer 10

Mencia

Question 11

Galicia DOs

Answer 11

Rias Baixas DO
Valdeorras DO
Riveira Sacra DO

Question 12

Rias Baixas DO wines

Answer 12

White wine
Wines labeled Albarino must be 100% that grape

Question 13

Valdeorras DO wines

Answer 13

Up and coming hot spot!

White wines: Godello (super complex and interesting grape)

Red wines: Mencia (similar to Rhone varietals)

Question 14

Ribeira Sacra DO

Answer 14

White wines: Albarino, Godello
Red wines: Mencia

Question 15

Wine styles

Answer 15

Dry, crisp, aromatic white wines from Albarino
Fresh and neutral whites and red from Valdeorras

Question 16

Albarino producers to know

Answer 16

Pazo Senorans
Granbazan
Lagar de Cervera

Spanish producers

Question 17

Food pairings

Answer 17

Grilled pulpo with EVOO and lemon

or Oysters on the half shell

Pairs nicely due to crisp acidity and minerality/delicate flavor profile