Rías Baixas Wine Region

The Rias Baixas wine region in northwest Spain is an excellent place to visit. It's one of the most important wine regions in Spain, and it's also home to some of the country’s best wines. The area is known for its white wines, but there are also some excellent reds too. This region has near-perfect weather, proximity to the ocean, and high altitude which are all beneficial in creating quality wines.

Check out Rias Baixas Wine Tasting and Tour!

Where is Rias Baixas Wine Region?

Occupying a verdant strip in Spain's northwestern region, Galicia, the Rías Baixas wine region is globally acclaimed for its sophisticated white wines. The region's pride and joy is the native Albariño grape, used to produce wines imbued with distinctive elegance. Positioned along the temperate Atlantic coast, Rías Baixas boasts a maritime climate that contributes to the region's unique vinicultural profile. The wines of Rías Baixas are the embodiment of the region's rich landscape and climate, showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and terroir.

The History of the Rias Baixas Wine Region

The first time that vines were planted in this area was back in Roman times, but the first mention of viticulture and winemaking is from the 13th century. The Albarino grape is thought to have been introduced to the area in the 12th century by Cistercian monks from the Monastery of Armenteira. The region started to grow in importance during the 17th century when it became an important port for exporting wines to England. In 1885, there was a major earthquake that destroyed many buildings including many wineries. But after this event, vineyards were replanted and they flourished due to improved technology and better agriculture practices.

Terroir of Rias Baixas

The Rias Baixas wine region is a coastal wine region of Spain. The proximity to the ocean provides a constant stream of cool, moist air that travels inland and prevents grapes from being scorched by the sun. And at 1140 feet above sea level, the climate is cooler than the rest of Spain. The soil of this region is mostly composed of clay, sand, and limestone. The cool maritime climate and fertile soils produce an elegant, crisp white wine with fruity aromas. The grape varieties produced in this region includes Albariño, Godello, Loureiro, Treixadura, and Torrontés

Wine Characteristics of  Rias Baixas Wine

This is the most southerly wine-producing region in all of Spain. The grapes are grown on the steep slopes of the valleys and hillsides, which protects them from the extreme heat of summer. The wines produced here are often fruity and light. The wines that come from this area are typically white, but reds can be found as well. The region is known for its Albariño, a white grape that produces light, dry wines that are perfect for pairing with seafood dishes.

Food to Pair with Rias Baixas wine

Rias Baixas wine has a slight taste of salt and citrus. This wine is best paired with food that has the same flavors. Foods like olives, anchovies, seafood, and fresh fish are all great options for pairing with Rias Baixas.

Ceviche 

Ceviche is a popular dish in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has become a common dish in many other countries because of its delicious flavor and easy preparation. The dish is made of raw fish, which is marinated in citrus juices like lemon or lime and mixed with chopped onion, coriander, red pepper, salt, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. The Rias Baixas wine goes well with this dish because it is light-bodied white wine with a high acidity level that refreshes the palate after eating the acidic food from the ceviche.

Empanada Gallega

Empanada Gallega is a traditional dish in Spain. It is a pastry shell filled with meat, seafood, or vegetables, and it is usually baked or fried. The dish is often served with wine. The most popular wine pairing for Empanada Gallega is the Albarino Wine. This wine has a light and crisp taste that pairs well with the savory filling of the Empanada Gallega.

Polbo á feira

Polbo is a dish from Galicia, Spain. It is a boiled octopus that's been cut into pieces and then stewed in a casserole with potatoes, carrots, onion, and parsley. The dish is traditionally eaten with boiled potatoes, carrots, and white wine.

Places to Visit in Rias Baixas Wine Region

Museo de Pontevedra

Museo de Pontevedra is a museum located in the city of Pontevedra. The museum is located in the building that was originally built as a Jesuit college and later used as the Bishop's Palace. The museum has three floors. The first floor houses most of the archaeological pieces, while the second-floor hosts paintings and sculptures from different periods of Spanish art history. Finally, on the third floor, there are some temporary exhibits and collections of contemporary art.

Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlánticas de Galicia

The Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park is a marine park in Spain that was created to protect the islands and their marine life. The national park covers an area of 7,000 hectares and includes Cies islands. It protects a wide variety of habitats including coastal lagoons, sand dunes, salt marshes, cliffs, sea caves, and rocky outcrops. The park was established in 2002, and it is now a haven for Atlantic dolphins, sea otters, seals, and several other species. 

Arousa Island

Arousa Island is a protected area of 7 square kilometers and is part of the Rias Baixas Nature Reserve. The small island is known for its unspoiled beaches, ancient lighthouse and rich variety of flora and fauna. 

Interesting Facts About Rias Baixas

In ancient times, men of the Galician region were often at sea, women were left to run the family businesses. These days, this tradition is still alive and most of the wineries in this region are managed by women.

Galicia is often called “Green Spain” and it has preserved many ancient Celtic traditions. One of the many Celtic traditions is a language that has more than 100 different words to describe rain.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rias Baixas Wine Region