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WINES OF SPAIN
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Galicia
| Gah-Lee-See-Yah |
DO Rías Baixas
| Ree-Ahs Bye-Shaz |
— The Atlantic climate of this region, consisting of wet
winters and sea mists, creates a unique microclimate that produces crisp, clean, and flavorful
white wines. “Rías biaxas,” meaning low estuaries, refers to the many “rías” that flow through
the area. The primary grape Albariño, grown in granite soils, features signature aromas of stone
fruit, citrus, and mineral balanced with lively, pleasant acidity.
DO Valdeorras
| Val-Deh-Or-Ras |
— Valdeorras, which translates to Valley of Gold in Spanish,
is the easternmost DO in the autonomía of Galicia. The region is known for its unique and
complex Godello wines, which provide plenty of varietal character of pear and apple flavors,
with a tangy earthy mineral character in the finish.
Navarra
| Nah-Var-Rah |
DO Navarra
— Located to the northeast of La Rioja, this region abuts the Pyrenees along its
northern border. The Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route passes through this
hilly region. With a Continental climate and chalky soil with gravel, the region is best suited to
Garnacha and Tempranillo with an additional emphasis on traditional French varieties.
La Rioja
| La Ree-Oh-Ha |
DOCa Rioja
— As the first Spanish wine region to obtain DO status in 1925, Rioja is now one of
the best-known wine producing regions in the world. Rioja wines are traditionally understood
to be earthy and elegant with varying years of oak contact, intended for long cellar aging.
Today, however, a number of bodegas embrace a more modern, fruit-forward style and create
reds meant to be enjoyed while young and fresh.