DXCC: Agrofood Industry: Rías Baixas

From a legal point of view this appellation of origin is one of the most modern of the ones present in Galicia. However, it is heir to an old and splendid tradition in the production of high-quality wines.

Its area of production lies on the south-west part of the province of Pontevedra and includes three characteristic viticultural regions such as: Val do Salnes, Condado do Tea, O Rosal, Soutomaior and Ribeira-Ulla.

In this three subzones the relief is slightly ondulated with hills that surround open and sunny valleys, the ground being sandy, not very deep and slightly acid.

The elimate is mild, wet and temperate, greatly influenced by the Atlantic which brings about the ideal conditions for vine growing and to obtain wines with a special personality.

The most important and most famous variety is Albariño, although there are some other autochtonous ones of a high quality such as: TREIXADURA, LOUREIRA, TORRANTES, CAIÑO, GODELLO E ESPADEIRO.

Production Area

Mainly white are produced, specially Albariño, (100% monovarities), which is acknowledged as one of the best and most elegant white wines in the world. Its characteristics are a rich mosaic of values, among which are included: strawcloured with golden and green iridescences, strong fruity and floral bouquets, average alcoholic stength of 12 degrees, balanced acidity and a youthfulness, which in this case, becomes a virtue.

Regulation:
Passed by Order of the Consellería de Agricultura of the Xunta de Galicia on 4/7/1988 and ratified by Ministerial Order on 28/7/1988 (B.O.E. 2/8).

Autorized Varieties:
WHITE ONES: Albariño, Loureira blanca o Marqués, Godello, Treixadura, Caiño blanco, Torrontés.
RED ONES: Caiño tinto, Sousón, Mencía, Espadeiro, Loureira tinto, Brancellao.

Types of wines:
White monovarietes "ALBARIÑO":
100% grape "ALBARIÑO" (in all the production area).
White (blend of varieties) "VALDO SALNES":
Minimum 70% Albariño. Remainder, other accepted varieties.
White (blend of varieties) "CONDADO DO TEA":
Minimum 70% Albariño and Treixadura. Remainder, other accepted varieties.
White (blend of varieties) "O ROSAL":
Minimum 70% Albariño and Loureira.
Remainder, other accepted varieties.
Red: Those autorized

General Data:
Area registered (hectares): 2.292,3.
Production 1999 (l.): 8.407.777.
Exportation 1999/l.): 446.040.