Galicia

DO located in the province of Pontevedra in the region of Galicia, on ther Atlantic coast in north-west Spain. The region boders on Portugal, the name translates as
“lower bays”. There are four sub-zones, with the white grape variety Albariño dominating in all of them, accounting for 95% of the total vineyard area. The sub-zones are Valle do Salnés north and south of the town of Cambados, the two separate areas on the coast to the south, O Rosal and Condado do Tea, which adjoins this to the east. The fourth sub-zone, Soutomaior, lies close to the provincial capital of Pontevedra, and was added recently. The climate is cool with high humidity and ample rainfall, which encourages the development of fungal diseases. The vineyard area totals 2.650 hectares, with around 180 bodegas, the soils are granitic. The vast majority of wines produced are fresh dry white wines, which are among the best in Spain and indeed in the world. They have been exported all over Europe since the 16th century. The wines mostly undergo malo-lactic fermentation. Rías Baixas must contain a minimum of 70% Albariño, and, depending on the sub-zone, a smaller portion of the indigenous varieties Caíño, Loureira, Torrontés or Treixadura. Only a small amount of red wine is produced, these are made from Mencía, Espadeiro and Caíño Tinto. Well-known producers include Adegas Castrobrey, Adegas Galegas, Adegas Tollodouro, Adegas Valmiñor, Agro de Bazán, Bodegas de Albariño Santiago Roma, Bodegas As Laxas, Bodegas Agnusdei, Bodegas Couto, Bodegas del Palacio de Fefiñanes, Bodegas Martínez Serantes, Bodegas Terras Gauda, Castro Martín, Comercial Oula, Coto de Xiabre, Fillaboa, Lagar de Besada, Lagar de Fornelos, Lusco Do Miño, Pablo Padín, Pazo de Barrantes, Pazo Pondal, Pazo San Mauro, Pazo de Señorans and Valdamor