Albariño
DO Rías Baixas
White wine
Hammeken Cellars And D.O. Rías Baixas
Legend has it the monks of Cluny brought the Albariño grape to O Salnés’ Pontevedra region in the 12th century. More specifically, to the monastery of Armenteira, from where it spread to the rest of Galicia.
This being a legend, the fact is Albariño has been grown in the Rías Baixas for more than a thousand years.
Today, D.O. Rías Baixas has 5 sub-zones where grapes are perfectly adapted to the climate, acquiring its unmistakably Atlantic personality.
Did You Know?
1
Most of the wines from Rías Baixas are not aged. However, Albariño has a good wine evolution, and coexisting vintages are becoming more common.
2
Rías Baixas’ Albariño is probably the most fashionable white wine in the Iberian Peninsula today.
3
Vine cultivation is predominant in the Salnés Valley, where 60% of the production and 70% of the wineries are located.
D.O. Rías Baixas: A Landscape Full Of Greenery, Mountains... And Albariño
The region's orography, climate and soil make Rías Baixas an exceptional place for growing grape vines.
Albariño grapes, at least. These grapes adapt like no other to the somewhat adverse climate of the area.
When this adaptability is added to the traditional vine training, the outcoming wines reveal unmistakable Atlantic touches.
A Few Figures
4.000 ha
Of vineyards.
Recent growth has been significant: in 1975, only 200 ha were dedicated to vineyards.
16 millions
Liters / year.
It is the highest-producing region in Galicia, with 55 active wineries.
1.200-1.600 mm
Precipitation.
It is the rainiest region of Spain; mainly concentrated in winter.
And The Outcome
Humid climate, cool winds, mild summers and granite soils mark the production of the region's wines.
These wines manage to preserve the richness in acids, aromas and sapid components. They are definitely one of a kind.