Various theories exist regarding the origin of Albariño. Some speculate that it originated in central Europe and found its way to the area with the migration of Germanic peoples in the 5th Century or later by the French monks. The prevailing theory backed by genetic research is that Albariño is native to Rías Baixas, as evidenced by its ability to thrive in the region’s cool, wet growing conditions.
Nestled in Spain’s northwest region of Galicia, Rías Baixas more closely resembles the green fields and rocky coasts of Ireland than classic images of drier, Castilian plains. Often referred to as Green Spain, the hillsides of Galicia recall the ancient Celtic history of the region, and are covered in mist that shrouds granite castles, vineyards and manor houses. The area is characterized by moderate year-round temperatures, ocean breeze and an average annual rainfall that in some spots is nearly three times the national average. However, Galicia’s damp Atlantic-influenced climate is balanced by over 2,200 hours of sunshine. This ensures that Rías Baixas Albariño ripens fully and is capable of producing wines with medium-to-high natural acidity and an aromatic profile that makes it a sensory delight.
The soils of Rías Baixas are fairly uniform throughout the five sub-regions, dominated by granite and in some places, schist. Large rivers and tributaries have also left alluvial and colluvial deposits – a combination of clay, silt, sand and gravel. There is a limited amount of organic material in the soil and an extremely high level of minerality and acidity – ideal conditions for Albariño that also contribute to the food-friendly character of the wines.
The coastal landscape of Rías Baixas is irregular, marked by a series of jagged inlets and shallow fjörds known as “rías”. The name Rías Baixas translates to “lower rías” in Galician and refers to five estuaries – Ría de Muros y Noia, the Ría de Arousa, the Ría de Pontevedra, the Ría de Vigo, and the Ría de Miño – extending for 90 miles just south of Santiago de Compostela to the Portuguese border. The rías are estuaries that mix fresh and salt water to sustain perhaps the world’s richest maritime life – and also contribute to the distinctive geography of the region.
Rías Baixas’ vineyards are primarily located within the province of Pontevedra in Galicia. There are 10,677 acres under vine with more than 6,500 growers and over 22,800 individual vineyard plots to support 180 registered wineries. Altitudes can reach up to 985 feet. The five distinct sub-regions of Rías Baixas encompass varying micro-climates that differ by topography and proximity to the rivers and sea. They include: Ribeira do Ulla, Val do Salnés, Soutomaior, Condado do Tea and O Rosal.
Ribeira do Ulla: The northernmost sub-region, is fully landlocked but dissected by the Ulla River. The newest Rías Baixas sub-zone, this area was registered in 2000 and is composed mostly of alluvial soil. It is located inland, just southeast of Santiago de Compostela, and east of Padrón, a town famous for fried green peppers, a popular tapa.
Val do Salnés: Situated in the northern half of the region, Val do Salnés features the most coastline and is consequently the coolest and dampest of the five sub-regions. It is known as the birthplace of the Albariño grape. Located on the Atlantic coast, it surrounds the historic town of Cambados. This is the original and oldest sub-zone with the most area under vine and the highest concentration of wineries. The soil is granitic and rocky with alluvial top-soil. It is also the coolest and wettest sub-zone with an average temperature of just 55º F.
Soutomaior: Sitting on the coast in the center of the region, Soutomaior is nestled in the hills at the head of the Rías de Vigo. It is the smallest of the sub-zones and was registered in 1996. Soils are light and sandy over granite bedrock.
O Rosal: Also lying along the Miño River where it joins the Atlantic Ocean, O Rosal is coastal and cooler. It forms the border with Portugal. With granite bedrock and alluvial topsoil, the vineyards are terraced along the sides of the Miño. The fishing village of A Guarda offers a picturesque setting to enjoy the foods and wines of the region.
Condado do Tea: “The County of Tea” is named after the river Tea, a tributary of the Miño River. Located in a fairly mountainous area along the Miño, this is the second largest sub-zone, with granite-slate and sedimentary soils. Further inland than O Rosal, it is a warmer, drier area, with an average temperature of 59º F that can soar to 104º F during the summer.
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