Spain - Galicia - Rías Baixas DO
6 important questions on Spain - Galicia - Rías Baixas DO
What is the biggest producer in Rías Baixas, how many growers?
Describe the growing environment of Rías Baixas and the challenges it has
- North west of Spain, just above Portugal
- Along the Atlantic ocean
- Has a maritime climate, moderated by the ocean
- High annual rainfall - fungal diseases are a risk
- Soil sand over granite: very good drainage for so much rain
What is the most famous grape variety for Rías Baixas, and what are the characteristics. Can it be blended? With what?
- Alvarinho - 95% planted; mostly monocepage.
- Thick skin, protects against rot, can become fully ripe.
- High acidity, medium body, medium alcohol
- Apple, lemon, grapefruit, melon and peach (sometimes floral)
- blends with: Loureiro (floral and herbal), Treixadura (low acidity), Caino Blanco
- Higher grades + faster learning
- Never study anything twice
- 100% sure, 100% understanding
Rías Baixas has 5 subzones; which are these and what are the differences in style of wines?
- Val do Salnés; oldest, biggest plantings, directly on the coast; coolest and wettest
- O Rosal; along Minho, border of Portugal; often blends. Warmer; lower acidity
- Condado do Tea; inland, even warmer; peach fruit, lower acidity
- Ribeira do Ulla; new, inexpensive wines
- Soutomaior; smallest
What is the trellising system in Galicia, Rías Baixas? What are the benefits?
- Pergola = Parral
- Crops underneath
- Good air circulation, reducing diseases
- slightly cooler
How are the mid-priced to expensive wines vilified in Rías Baixas?
- Mid-priced, one or two years on the lees, not stirred; light creaminess
- More expensive; in large old oak or portion of new oak.
The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:
- A unique study and practice tool
- Never study anything twice again
- Get the grades you hope for
- 100% sure, 100% understanding
![Trustpilot Logo](/images/design_2020/lp/clp-trustpilot-en.png)