Panorámica con efecto granulada de un valle montañoso en Galicia, atravesado por un río, con viñedos ecológicos y casas rurales.

Viñedos en terrazas en la región de O Ribeiro, con casas rurales y caminos serpenteantes en un valle montañoso.

The Ribeiro

O Ribeiro - Soil Diversity and Native Varieties

The O Ribeiro wine region, located in the province of Ourense, Galicia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Spain. Its name, which means "riverbanks" in Galician, reflects the crucial influence of its rivers: the Miño, Avia and Arnoia, which irrigate the vineyards and create an ideal microclimate for viticulture.

The history of Ribeiro dates back to the 2nd century BC, with evidence of wine production that has endured and evolved over the centuries.

During the Middle Ages, Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries played a fundamental role in the development of the vineyards, especially the monastery of San Clodio. The region reached its splendour in the 16th and 17th centuries, being highly appreciated in international markets such as England and Flanders, thanks to its quality and the influence of the Camino de Santiago which facilitated trade.

Today, O Ribeiro is known for its diversity of soils and microclimates that favor the production of unique white wines made mainly from native varieties such as Treixadura, Godello, Loureira and Torrontés. These wines stand out for their freshness, balanced acidity and great aromatic expression.

Red wines are also produced from native varieties such as Brancellao, Souson and Caiño tinto, generating intense, original and expressive wines, with aromas of red and black fruits, floral notes such as violets, liquorice, spices and balsamic.

In the current context, one of the most prominent figures is Iría Otero, a winemaker with a deep connection to Galicia. After working in various wineries, including Dominio do Bibei in Ribeira Sacra, Iría decided to establish her own project in Ribeiro. With a philosophy of minimal intervention, she produces wines that reflect the terroir and the indigenous varieties of the region. Her wines, such as "Ravia" and "A Seara", are appreciated for their authenticity and respect for the environment, using sustainable and ecological practices.

Iría Otero has been instrumental in highlighting the potential of Ribeiro red wines, using local varieties such as Sousón and Caíño Longo, and showing that Ribeiro is not only a land of great whites but also of reds with character and complexity.

Ribeiro, with its rich history and ability to adapt, continues to stand out in Galician viticulture, offering wines that are a true reflection of its landscape and tradition.