Rias Baixas

Rias Baixas is the most important appellation in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain. It was granted Denominación de Origen (DO) status in 1988, although the terroir was officially identified in 1980 when the DO was specifically designated for Albariño, the typical grape variety of the Rias Baixas vineyards. However, when Spain joined the European Union in 1986, it had to change this appellation, as European legislation does not recognize protected appellations for grape varieties.

The Rias Baixas appellation is located in a geographical area characterized by lush vegetation, rich soil, and rias, deep inlets of Atlantic waters inland. The climate is obviously oceanic, cool and humid, although it is nuanced by microclimates.

As mentioned, Albariño accounts for 90% of grape production in the DO Rias Baixas. The white wines of the Rias Baixas appellation are dry wines with lively and intense floral and fruity aromas and a very fine and long aftertaste. The remarkable qualities of Rias Baixas wines can be appreciated by tasting the vintages of Domaine Pazo de Galegos or Bodegas Pazo de Senorans.