CLIENTS
Rías Baixas
The Rίas Baixas vineyards are all located within the province of Pontevedra in Galicia, in northwestern Spain. There are 6,900 acres under vine with more than 6,000 growers and 60,000 individual vineyard plots – many plots as tiny as those you find in Burgundy. Rías Baixas DO is composed of five sub-zones: Val do Salnés, Condado do Tea, O Rosal, Soutomaior, and the newly-named Ribeira do Ulla. To guarantee origin and adherence to the highest quality standards, all wines from the region of Rías Baixas carry an official label from the local Consejo Regulador.
Albariño (al-ba-ree-nyo): By far the finest grape variety in Rίas Baixas, it accounts for 90% of all plantings. Rίas Baixas — and more precisely its sub-zone Val do Salnés — is the birthplace of Albariño. Even though it has been grown in Galicia for centuries, no one is sure of its origin. One theory—romantic but unfortunately untrue—is that Albariño is derived from Riesling, which was brought by German pilgrims on the path to Santiago de Compostela, a holy city in Galicia. Another theory is that the Cistercian monks from Burgundy, who established vineyards wherever they built their churches, introduced it in the 12th or 13th century.
Whatever the origin, there is no dispute in terms of the quality and unique flavor profile Albariño offers in its wines. It has been likened to a Riesling for its minerality and bracing acidity; to a Viognier, because of its fleshiness and peach/apricot character; and to a Pinot Gris for its floral bouquet. Albariño is a low yielding variety and expensive to cultivate. It is also one of the few Spanish white grape varieties produced as a varietal wine on its own and designated on labels.
A chameleon wine in many ways, an Albariño pairs well not only with traditional Galician seafood but also with the international cuisines of Asia, South America, Italy, and France, and is down right delicious with chips and salsa.
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