Galicia and its wines

The Galicia is one of the most fascinating wine regions of Spain, in the north-west of the Iberian peninsula. With a climate cool, damp oceanic, strong Atlantic influences and granite and schist soils, Galicia is particularly renowned for its fresh, mineral white wines, among which stands out theAlbariño of the Rías Baixas DO.

As well as the whites, the region also makes elegant, fragrant red wines, thanks to indigenous grape varieties such as Mencía, grown mainly in the Ribeira Sacra. With five denominations of origin, Galicia offers a unique viticulture, strongly tied to the land and to tradition.

What is the Galicia wine district?

Galicia is divided into five DOs (Denominaciones de Origen), each with distinctive characteristics:

• Rías Baixas DO → Albariño, Spain's most celebrated white.
• Ribeiro DO → Aromatic, fresh white wines, a blend of Treixadura, Godello and Loureira.
• Ribeira Sacra DO → Mencía reds, elegant and mineral.
• Valdeorras DO → Structured whites from Godello and fruity reds from Mencía.
• Monterrei DO → Balanced white and red wines with great potential.

The Great Wine Regions of Galicia

1. Rías Baixas

• Main grape varieties: Albariño, Loureira, Treixadura.
• Style: Fresh, savoury and mineral whites.
• Famous appellations: Val do Salnés, O Rosal, Condado do Tea.

2. Ribeiro

• Main grape varieties: Treixadura, Godello, Albariño, Loureira.
• Style: Aromatic whites, light, fruity reds.
• Famous appellation: Ribeiro DO.

3. Ribeira Sacra

• Main grape varieties: Mencía, Godello, Treixadura.
• Style: Elegant, mineral reds, savoury whites.
• Famous appellation: Ribeira Sacra DO.

4. Valdeorras

• Main grape varieties: Godello, Mencía.
• Style: Structured, long-lived whites, fruity, spicy reds.
• Famous appellation: Valdeorras DO.

5. Monterrei

• Main grape varieties: Godello, Treixadura, Mencía.
• Style: Balanced, versatile wines, both white and red.
• Famous appellation: Monterrei DO.

Characteristics of Galicia Wines

Colour

• Whites: Bright straw yellow with greenish highlights.
• Reds: Light ruby red with purple highlights in the young Mencías.

Aromas

• Fruity: Green apple, citrus and peach in the whites; fresh red fruit in the reds.
• Floral: White flowers in the whites; violet in the reds.
• Mineral and Briny: Notes of wet stone and iodine in the Atlantic whites.

Palate

• Fresh and Savoury: In the whites of Rías Baixas and Ribeira Sacra.
• Fruity and Spicy: In the reds from Mencía, with silky tannins.
• Structured and Long-lived: In the Godello wines of Valdeorras.

Typical Grape Varieties of Galicia

White Grape Varieties

• Albariño: Aromatic and mineral, with vibrant acidity.
• Godello: Elegant and structured, similar to a Chardonnay.
• Treixadura: Fresh and delicate, often used in blends.
• Loureira: Floral and spicy, typical of the whites of Ribeiro.

Black Grape Varieties

• Mencía: Light, fruity and spicy, perfect for elegant reds.
• Brancellao: Rare and refined, used in blends to add complexity.
• Sousón: Tannic and intense, used for more structured reds.

Why Choose a Wine from Galicia?

A wine from the Galicia is a journey through sea-fresh flavours, freshness and authenticity. Perfect alongside seafood, grilled fish, goat's cheeses and white meat dishes, Galician wines are among the most appreciated for their drinkability and versatility at the table.