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D.O. Rías Baixas |
Description to D.O. Rías Baixas
DO area (span.Rías Bajas) in the province of Pontevedra in the southwest of the region of Galicia(Spain) on the Atlantic coast bordering Portugal. The name means "lower bays" and refers to four narrow sea bays reaching deep into the land, formed from flooded valleys of the Ría de Muros y Noia, Ría de Arousa, Ría de Pontevedra and Ría de Vigo rivers. There are five subzones, all dominated by the white Albariño (Alvarinho), which occupies 95% of the vineyards:
- Condado do Tea (County of Tea): named after the Tea (tributary of the Miño), this mountainous area is the second largest, with around 550 hectares on granite and slate soils. It is located near the border with Portugal at the town of Ponteareas.
- O Rosal: This area is located near the coast, south of the city of Vigo. The terraced vineyards cover over 300 hectares on granite and alluvial soils along the river Miño.
- Ribeira do Ulla: The area covers around 50 hectares on mainly alluvial soils. It is located south of the famous pilgrimage site and destination of the Way of St. James, Santiago de Compostela. Mainly red wines grow here.
- Soutomaior: The smallest area, with 20 hectares on sandy soils over granite bedrock, is located on the river Verdugo near Pontevedra. Only Albariño is grown here.
- Val do Salnés: The largest area, with 1,500 hectares on granite, rock and alluvial soils, is considered the origin of the Albariño grape. It is located on the lower reaches of the Umia River near the coast north of Pontevedra. It is the coldest and wettest area.
Caused by the Atlantic winds, there are rainfall amounts of up to 1,300 millimetres annually (three times higher than in Rioja). The damp and cool climate favours the development of fungal diseases. The vineyards cover a total of around 2,500 hectares. For the most part, fresh, sparkling, dry white wines are produced, which are among the best in Spain. Incidentally, they were exported to all of Europe as early as the 16th century. They are mostly subjected to malolactic fermentation. The white wines must contain at least 70% Albariño (Alvarinho) and a maximum of 30% Caíño Blanco, Loureira (Loureiro), Torrontés (Fernão Pires) or Treixadura (Trajadura). The red wines are made from Brancellao (Alvarelhão), Caíño Tinto (Borraçal), Espadeiro (Camaraou Noir), Loureira Tinta od. Sousón (Vinhão) and Mencía.
Well-known producers in the DO area include Adegas Castrobrey, Adegas Galegas, Adegas Tollodouro, Adegas Valmiñor, Agnusdei, Agro de Bazán, Albariño Santiago Roma, As Laxas, Benito Santos, Couto, Castro Martín, Comercial Oula, Coto de Xiabre, Fillaboa, Lagar de Besada, Lagar de Fornelos, Lusco Do Miño, Martínez Serantes, Pablo Padín, Palacio de Fefiñanes, Pazo de Barrantes, Pazo Pondal, Pazo San Mauro, Pazo de Señorans, Terras Gauda and Valdamor.
Picture left: Rías Baixas
Picture right: Ruta do Viño Rías Baixas
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