Region Of The Week: Galicia
Located in the northwest of Spain, Galicia borders the Cantabrian Sea, Portugal, and Castilla y León. It’s believed that Romans introduced wine to Galicia, which was then used as payment for feudal lords and the services of monasteries. During the Middle Ages, Galician wines had a great influence on Spanish culture, economy, and politics, which led to them exporting vine cuttings to other vineyards in Europe. When the economic depression of the 19th century hit, vineyards in Galicia were abandoned and it wasn’t until Spain joined the European Union in 1986 that their wine production flourished again.
A misty, lush region of Spain, Galicia is brimming with hundreds of estuaries along its coastline and low mountain ranges further inland. Home to five designations of origin - Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, and Monterrei - each with their own various microclimates, Galicia’s overall climate gears towards a cool, maritime climate. Galicia is most famous for their white wines, especially wines made from Albariño. Other varietals that can be found in Galicia are Godello, Treixadura, Loureiro, Mencía, Caiño Tinto, and Espadeiro.
