Have you ever wondered what makes Galician red wines so special? This fascinating world combines tradition, innovation and a deep passion for sustainable viticulture.
Red wines are mainly made from dark-skinned grape varieties. The fermentation process includes maceration and fermentation with the skins of the grapes, which gives them their characteristic red color. In Galicia, the Mencía grape is the star of many of these wines, standing out for its fruity notes and elegance.
The history of viticulture in Galicia dates back to Roman times, but it was in the Middle Ages, thanks to monasteries and the Camino de Santiago, that vineyards expanded significantly. However, one of the most significant events in the history of European vineyards was the phylloxera plague in the 19th century. This parasitic insect, which devastated European vineyards between 1860 and 1900, originated in North America and spread rapidly, wreaking havoc in France, Italy and Spain.
The Galician vineyards, like many others in Europe, were severely affected. The solution to this crisis came from grafting European grape varieties onto American roots resistant to phylloxera, which allowed many vineyards to recover.
In Galicia, the response to phylloxera also included replanting vineyards with indigenous varieties and sustainable methods. Some wineries, such as Lagar do Vento, use regenerative viticulture practices, while others, such as Nanclares and Prieto, focus on minimal intervention, capturing the essence of Galician terroir.
At Vinnatura, we are proud to offer wines made from ungrafted vines, that is, vines that were not affected by phylloxera and do not require American rootstocks. These vines, which have survived intact over the centuries, produce wines of unique purity and authenticity.
In addition to Galicia, in Bierzo, José Antonio García is known for his intense and well-structured wines, while in La Rioja, Bodegas Mazuela stands out for its deep and complex wines made from the Tempranillo grape.
At Vinnatura, each bottle tells a story of passion, tradition and sustainability. We invite you to discover these unique wines, a reflection of the rich biodiversity and winemaking heritage of Galicia. Cheers!
