The History of the Denomination of Origin “Rías Baixas” starts in 1980 when the Specific Designation Albariño was included in the Official State Bulletin dated 11 October.
In its short history, the sector of Rías Baixas Denomination of Origin has evolved in an orderly way with sensible criteria; it thus grew from 492 to 5059 winegrowers, from 14 to 161 wineries and from an area of 237 to 2,408 hectares of vineyard from 1987 to 2001.
This growth is also reflected in the expansion of the zones. In 1988 the Denomination of Origin Rías Baixas consisted of 3 perfectly individualised and identifiable sub-zones in the province of Pontevedra: Val do Salnés, Condado do Tea and O Rosal. In October 1996 Soutomaior was incorporated and in May 2000 the area was extended to the Ribeira do Ulla.
Source: natural environment
The Rías Baixas Denomination of Origin is spread across a group of areas in Galicia which have common physical features that identify and produce their wine’s characteristics.
They are lowlands, with an altitude generally below 300 m, near the sea and related to the lower stretches of river courses, which determines the climactic characteristics of Atlantic influence – mild temperatures and high and well-distributed precipitation, with a fall in rain in the summer months.
Due to their qualities, these wines harmonise perfectly with fish, the iodinated taste of seafood and the latest creations of sea cuisine. They are wines for all times, ideal for tasting sip by sip at jubilant times of aperitifs or as a part of the most refined liturgy of cuisine.
Wines protected by the Denomination of Origin “Rías Baixas” are made exclusively with grapes of the following varieties.
- White: Albariño, white Loureira or Marqués, Treixadura and white Caiño
- Red: red Caiño, Espadeiro, red Loureira and Sousón
- White:Torrontes and Godello
- Reds:Mencia, Brancellao and Pedral
Organoleptic or tasting characteristics
The whites wines of the Denomination of Origin Rías Baixas are dry, with a sharp flavour, floral and intensely fruity, with a very fine and long aftertaste. Monovarietal wines like “Albariño” are straw yellow in colour, bright with golden and green iridescence.
They have a pleasantly impressive fine and distinguished floral and fruity aroma, medium intensity and a powerful half-length lingering. They are fresh and smooth on the palate, with sufficient body and alcohol, a balanced acidity, and broad harmonious nuances. Their aftertaste is pleasant, elegant and complete.