Galicia - November 2019

 Here at Verve Wine, we are always looking to shed light on lesser-known regions that are putting out insanely high quality bottles of wine for an exceptionally good price. This past year, I’ve been obsessed with the wines coming out of Galicia. The region is tucked away in Spain’s northwestern corner and is pretty different from the rest of the country. Unlike the stereotypical images that come to mind when picturing Spain (think sun-drenched days and scorching hot temperatures), Galicia is actually home to quite the opposite. Here, temperatures are rather chilly year-round, and the region has a significantly higher rainfall than the rest of the country. However, it’s Galicia’s extreme climate conditions, coupled with soil type, ocean proximity, and a slew of other factors that make this area and its wines so unique (and delicious).

As always, a bit of history first. Like most of Europe, Galicia’s viticultural history is rich. In the 1300s, the region was well known for exporting vine cuttings to other European growing areas. However, a few hundred years later, vine cultivation significantly decreased as vineyard workers and local inhabitants began moving to larger cities to find work. Many laborers immigrated to Portugal, where they helped construct the famed terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley. By the late 20th century, Spain joined the European Union and funding was provided to help reinvigorate Galicia’s winemaking industry. Today, the region is home to over 16,000 growers and 450-plus wineries spread across 10,000-plus hectares of land.

One of the reasons I’m so passionate about Galicia’s regional winemakers is because they truly care for their land and farm it in a highly responsible way. It’s not uncommon to find small vignerons working organically and biodynamically in the vineyard, which in turn produces healthy, high-quality fruit that translates to complex, terroir-driven juice in the glass. The producers I’ve chosen for this month’s TGT work across an array of regional appellations, yet all share this same responsible mentality toward viticulture.

Galicia is broken down into five major regions: Monterrei, Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro, and Valdeorras. Monterrei is located in the southern portion of Galicia and shares a border with Portugal. Rias Baixas is perhaps the region’s best known growing zone, and is known for its crisp, saline-tinged bottles of Albariño. Here, soils are mostly granitic, and the overall climate is pretty wet and humid. Ribeira Sacra sits more inland, and is best known for its dramatic terraced vineyards and top-quality red wines. Vineyards in Ribeiro are located along the Miño River. Wines produced here are fruit-forward, perfumed, and similar to those of Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, which is relatively close by. Galicia’s easternmost region, Valdeorras, is known for its Garnacha, Mencía, and Palomino production.

All of Galicia’s five major regions are highly influenced by its surrounding topography, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Miño River, and Serra dos Ancares mountain range.

Attempting to count the number of grape varieties cultivated in Galicia would be an exhausting task. The region’s most popular include Albariño, Godello, and Treixadura for whites, and Mencía, Garnacha, and Brancellao for reds. Although varietal bottlings are common in the region, most small vignerons tend to vinify field blends, produced from whatever fruit they have growing in their vineyards. Talk about artisanal local production!

I truly hope you enjoy discovering this viticulturally rich region as much as I have this past year. Big shout out to Jose Pastor, who has been importing and pioneering these insanely delicious and terroir-driven bottles for over a decade!

Cheers! (¡Salud!)

Dustin Wilson, Master Sommelier