Galicia

DO region for red and white wines in the region of Galicia in north-west Spain, around the centre of Ribadavia. The name translates as “shore area”. In the north lies Santiago de Compostela, one of the most famous Christian pilgrim destinations, the grave of the apostle James is reputed to be here. This is the terminal point of several pilgrim routes starting from various points across Europe, in its heyday in medieval times some two million pilgrims travelled these routes annually. Wines from here were exported to Italy and England under the name of Ribadavia in the 16th century. Sulphur was in use already as an anti-oxidant. The vineyard area totals 3.000 hectares, located along the river Miño and on the banks of its tributaries, the Arnia and Arnoia. Fresh, dry, aromatic white wines are made from Treixadura (most widely planted variety), Torrontés, Palomino and Albariño grapes. Dark-coloured but fairly light-bodied red wines are made from Caiño Tinto and Garnacha Tinto. Small quantities of low-alcohol fresh and crisp white wines (Enverados) are made from early-picked grapes, which are similar to the vinho verde in Portugal, off-dry red and white wines are also produced.