Galician Wines Well, three of them anyway…

World Ranking Spain is the third largest wine producer in the world, behind Italy and France. They have been working on correcting the problem of poor marketing and the stereotype or traditional, heavily oaked reds of Rioja.

Vineyards of Galicia m elevation Predominately along river valleys in the foothills. Moderate climate due to the Atlantic marine influence admixing with the continental influence.

Willamette Valley Vineyard Most Pinot Noir vineyards are along the foothills of the Coast range ft elevation Protection from frost in lower elevations and cold/rain in higher elevations. Moderate climate due to the Pacific marine influence admixing with the continental influence.

Lagar De Cervera Albarino Lagar De Cervera White varietal Albarino made with first quality must (no more than 60% of the grape’s juice is used). The wine-maker must preserve the nobility of the grape throughout the process. Fermented in stainless tanks. Early harvest, always a young wine. Released to enjoy at the beginning of January. Grapes are predominately from the southernmost sub-zone of the Rias Baixas, El Rosal.

Galiciano Godello White Spanish grape most successfully grown in Valdearras region (SE Galicia). Grows best in dry climates. Almost extinct by mid 1970’s.

Near demise of Godello First planted near Cadiz, 1100 BC. Ancestor of Sherry 8-15 century Moorish influence destroyed vineyards.

Galiciano Red Mencia Direct ancestor or Cab Franc from the plantings of the earliest Roman Settlers in Bierzo 2000 years ago. Emphasis on quality rather than quantity.