Discover the Rías Baixas, a natural paradise on the southwest coast of Galicia that is also famous for its exceptional wines. This region extends along several estuaries, from the Ría de Arousa to the Ría de Vigo, offering a perfect microclimate for the cultivation of the vine.
The winemaking tradition in the Rías Baixas is ancient, but it was in the 20th century that this region began to gain international recognition. The creation of the Rías Baixas Designation of Origin in 1988 marked a turning point, ensuring quality and encouraging innovation. in viticulture.
Albariño is the undisputed star here. This white grape is characterised by its freshness, balanced acidity and fruity and floral aromas. In the Atlantic climate of the Rías Baixas, Albariño reaches its maximum expression, benefiting from the granitic soils and the coastal microclimate.
But the Rías Baixas don't only produce Albariño. You'll also find other white varieties such as Treixadura, Loureira and Caiño Blanco, each adding its distinctive touch to the region's diverse wine scene.
We cannot forget the red wines, although they represent a small part of the production. Varieties such as Caiño Tinto and Espadeiro are gaining recognition for their freshness and complexity. These red wines are light, with good acidity and an explosion of aromas that make them unique.
With over 4,000 hectares of vineyards divided into small plots, each winegrower in the Rías Baixas devotes meticulous care to their vines. This translates into high-quality wines that are appreciated and exported internationally.
The Rías Baixas, known for their climatic and soil diversity, are divided into five distinctive sub-zones:
Val do Salnés, located on the Atlantic coast, is the coolest and most humid, with granite soils that produce Albariños with high acidity and notable salinity.
O Rosal, at the mouth of the Miño River, has a slightly warmer climate and alluvial soils on granite, generating wines with intense stone fruit flavours and a rounded texture.
Condado do Tea, located further inland along the Tea River, is warmer and has granite and slate soils, producing earthier and more structured wines.
Soutomaior is the smallest and most mountainous sub-zone, with light, sandy soils on a bed of granite, resulting in very fresh and mineral wines.
Ribeira do Ulla, the most recent sub-zone in the northeast, has rich, alluvial soils that give rise to fruity, easy-drinking wines.
Each sub-zone brings a special uniqueness to the wines of Rías Baixas, highlighting the richness and variety of this denomination.
For wine lovers, the Rías Baixas offer an excellent wine tourism experience. You can tour wineries, participate in tastings and learn about the production process while enjoying the excellent local cuisine, where fresh seafood is perfectly paired with local wines.
In short, the Rías Baixas combine tradition and innovation to produce some of the best white wines in the world. This destination is ideal for a complete experience that mixes nature, history and quality wine.
Explore the wines of the Rías Baixas and let yourself be seduced by their wine charm!
