This delicate white variety gives a subtle floral note to wines.
Albariño is often bottled varietally, but when it is blended, Loureiro is the secondary grape variety authorized in O Rosal. This area is slightly warmer with alluvial topsoil over granite and outcrops of slate. The vineyards directly along the river are planted on terraces, with excellent sun exposure. It follows the northern bank of the Miño River, looking out to Portugal on its southern bank. O Rosal is a small, coastal sub-region south of Val do Salnés. These factors give the wines of Val do Salnés high, nervy acidity and marked salinity.Ĭooler vineyard sites within the sub-region have tart fruit flavours on the citrus and green fruit spectrum, whereas sunnier spots tend to have riper, tropical fruit nuances. The soils here are granite-based and quite rocky. Val do Salnés has the coolest and wettest weather patterns of all Rías Baixas vineyards, with average yearly temperatures of just 13 degrees Celsius. According to Rías Baixas DO regulations, blends must be made from a minimum of 70% Albariño, with local varieties: Loureiro, Treixadura, or Caiño Blanco. It is also considered to be the birthplace of the Albariño grape variety.īoth 100% Albariño and blended white wines are made in Val do Salnés.
Over half of Rías Baixas vineyards, and two-thirds of its wineries, are based here. Val do Salnés, on the Atlantic coast, is the region’s oldest sub-region. They are: Val do Salnés, O Rosal, Condado do Tea (con-dah-doh d-oh tay-ah), Soutomaior (S-oh-toh-my-or), and Ribeira do Ulla (Ree-bay-ra do Oo-ya). Rías Baixas Vineyards: Five Unique Sub-Regionsįive distinct vineyard sub-regions were identified in Rías Baixas based on proximity to or distance from the coast, altitude, orientation, soil variations and so forth. They shape the landscape and are a major part of what make Albariño from Rías Baixas vineyards so unique.
The estuaries of Rías Baixas are home to a rich diversity of marine life. If you enjoy the video, consider subscribing to my YouTube wine education channel (click here) so you never miss an episode! Side note: This Rías Baixas vineyards article is also available in video format (produced in partnership with Rías Baixas wines). In the Galician dialect, the name Rías Baixas means “Lower Rias”, and this refers to the four estuaries that dissect the area. Rías Baixas vineyards are located on the northwestern coast of Spain, in the region of Galicia.