1. W I N E F R O M T H E R I A S B A I X A S A P P E L L AT I O N
Full of the
character
of the Rías Baixas

2. sea
Full of the rain
Our wines are the product of a unique land made up of intertwining valleys and coastal
hills
areas bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. They are grown in a gentle, mild climate with enough
rain to ensure a permanently green landscape and with a generous amount of sunshine
hours to give the grapes the warmth and light they need to reach full ripeness. The vines are
planted in shallow sandy, slightly acid soils and are trained up granite posts, elevating the
grapes to help them ripen more easily and to discipline the vigour of the vines.
File of OAL Rías Baixas Tourism

3. The Rías Baixas appellation covers five sub-zones:
sea
Full of the rain • Ribeira do Ulla. This area runs alongside both banks of the River Ulla over plains and low
mountains.
hills • Val do Salnés. This sub-zone has its centre in Cambados and covers the largest surface
area of the five. It is situated at sea level on the left bank of the Ría de Arosa. This is the
flattest coastal area in Galicia.
• Soutomaior. This sub-zone is located in a mostly mountainous area at the mouth of the
River Verdugo, which flows into the Ría de Vigo estuary.
• Condado do Tea. This area is found on the right bank of the River Miño. Its rolling hills
stretch from Tui to the borders of Ourense province.
• O Rosal. This zone is at the mouth of the River Miño. The interesting aspect of the vineyards
there is their cultivation on river terraces.
File of OAL Rías Baixas Tourism

4. care experience
Full of
One of the special features of the Rías Baixas appellation is its careful merging of the best
future
of what tradition offers with the latest technological advances. The result is a product of
excellent quality, thanks to painstaking work in the vineyards and meticulous precision in
the vinification.

5. Throughout the length and breadth of the Rías Baixas appellation numerous wineries have
opted for innovative and cutting edge methods of wine production. Pneumatic presses,
temperature-control systems for the fermentation process and stainless steel vats are the
norm. These producers have revolutionised Galician wine-growing without ever abandoning
the traditional ways of working in the vines and the time-honoured method of harvesting,
which continues to be done by hand.
The result is wines of a high level of quality which have undergone strict controls by the
Rías Baixas Control Board. The process begins with an inspection of vineyard plots,
backed up by detailed monitoring of each vineyard. This is followed by close supervision
of the grapes until they are brought to the winery’s harvest reception during each vintage.
The control process is ongoing with periodic inspections to audit the volume of wine
produced in each vintage.
Before a winery can obtain its back-label, which is the official seal of the Control Board, one
care of the Board’s inspectors takes samples from each vat in the cellars. These samples undergo
Full of experience analyses and are submitted to a tasting commission. Only wines which pass all of these tests
can proudly claim to be part of the Rías Baixas appellation.
future
Photo donated by Turgalicia

6. pride
Full of names
The cornerstone of the Rías Baixas appellation is the Albariño grape variety, which currently
aspects
makes up 94% of the vineyards registered in the appellation. The characteristics of this grape
are small berries which are spherical in shape with a dark golden colour. Sugar levels reach
potential alcohol of 12 to 13° and acidity is between 7 and 9 grams a litre.
Controversy surrounds the question of where the Albariño originally came from. Some claim
with good reason that it originated in Galicia. However, there are also theories that it was the
monks of Cluny in France who first cultivated it in this region, while others believe it was
brought here in the 11th century by Raymond of Burgundy.
Other indigenous grape varieties are grown in the Rías Baixas appellation, such as Loureira
Blanca (or Marqués), Treixadura, Caiño Blanco, Torrontés and Godello. Some red grape
varieties are also produced, such as Caiño Tinto, Espadeiro, Loureira Tinta, Sousón, Mencía,
Pedral and Brancellao.

7. This diversity of indigenous grape varieties in the Rías Baixas appellation has given rise to a wide
range of wines:
• Rías Baixas Albariño. Made only with Albariño, this may be produced in any of the appellation’s
sub-zones.
• Rías Baixas Condado do Tea. Made up 70% of Albariño and Treixadura, and the rest being other
varieties produced in the Condado do Tea sub-zone.
• Rías Baixas Rosal. 70% made up of Albariño and Loureiro, and the rest being other varieties
produced in the O Rosal sub-zone.
pride • Rías Baixas Salnés. 70% made up of Albariño, and the rest being other varieties produced in the
Val do Salnés sub-zone.
Full of names • Rías Baixas Ribeira do Ulla. 70% made up of Albariño, and the rest being other varieties produced
in the Ribeira do Ulla sub-zone.
aspects • Rías Baixas. Made with the recognised white varieties produced in any of the sub-zones of the
appellation, 70% of which must be officially-preferred varieties.
• Rías Baixas Barrica. Made as the above-mentioned wines plus an ageing in oak of 3 months minimum.
• Rías Baixas Tinto. Made from the recognised red grapes grown in any of the sub-zones.
• Rías Baixas Espumoso (Sparkling). Made from the recognised grape varieties grown in any of the
sub-zones.

8. possibilities
Full of joy
moments
The wine of the Rías Baixas appellation is a symbol of today’s society in Galicia. It is modern
and easy-drinking with a whole range of subtle flavours; it has huge personality and an easily
defined character that includes a pale straw colour, floral, fruity aromas and a very fine
lingering finish.

9. Rías Baixas wines are well established on international markets and have won the highest
awards in the most prestigious professional wine challenges. Their consistently high quality
has made them a regular choice by wine enthusiasts all over the world.
The specific tasting characteristics of Rías Baixas wines make them a must for pairings not
only with seafood and fish dishes, but also with a wide range of Atlantic and Mediterranean
food, as well as the most modern gastronomic and fusion cuisine.
In addition to the rich array of flavours that these wines bring to the main meals of the day,
Rías Baixas wines can also be enjoyed at any time. They are a perfect aperitif and go great
with appetisers and snacks.
In short, the wine of the Rías Baixas appellation is the perfect partner with which to discover
possibilities all the treasures of the sea.
Full of joy
moments

10. Photo donated by Turgalicia