Rias Baixas

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

TheRias Baixas appellation is located in a geographical area characterized by lush vegetation, rich soil and the rias, deep inland inlets of the Atlantic. The climate is, of course, oceanic, cool and humid, albeit tempered by micro-climates.

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