San Diego Wine Culture Uncorked. Somehow, Spanish wines continue to fly under the radar. Highly regarded for crafting albariño, the winery has become a reference point for the grape. California: The San Luis Obispo coast (between Santa Barbera and Monterey) has a similar climate to Albariño’s homeland. Buy Map. The grapes are tiny with thick skins. Vines are trellised above your head, Viticulture and vinification in Rìas Baixas from, Albariño on the San Luis Obispo Coast from, A very geeky look at the truth behind phenolic bitterness from. Regional To Know: Sherry, Sierras de Málaga, Montilla-Moriles An aged PX, like those from Bodegas Toro Abala, is sweet enough to be poured over pancakes (making it the most luxurious breakfast syrup in the history of the world). ... aromatic white wines. The regions are incredibly diverse, producing everything from zesty Albariño to inky, black Monastrell. Which makes sense considering where it comes from on the coast of Galicia in the Rias Baixas region of northern Spain.. In fact, there are many designated vineyard sites here, called “Vino de Pago” which show real promise. James Beard Award-winning author and Wine Communicator of the Year. Inland area with fruiter wines because of more moderated weather. Albariño is the champion grape of Rías Baixas (REE-us BYE-shus), found in the extreme Northwest of the Spanish wine map. Our guide to the wine regions of Spain began in Part 1covering the wine regions of Alto Ebro including La Rioja, the Andalusian wine region, the Aragonese wine region, the Balearics wine region, the Canarian wine region, and the Cantabrian wine region. While there is a great deal of white Airén growing here, the real interesting stuff comes from old vine Garnacha and Petit Verdot growing at even higher elevations in the hills. Galicia is one of the 17 top-level administrative regions (known as comunidades autónomas) of Spain. Regions to Know: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda, Cariñena, Key Grapes: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Carignan, Verdejo, Viura. You can still download it, although user beware: Many map corrections and regulatory changes have happened since the release of this edition. Vegetable Pairing: The grassy notes of Albariño play well with fresh green herbs, like salsa verde. Key Grapes: Palomino, Listán Negro, Callet. The central plateau or Meseta Central is the inner plateau of Spain and home to capital city, Madrid. Spain’s most fashionable white wine, Albariño is thought to have been first planted in Spain by monks in the 12 th century AD. Albariño wine (“alba-reen-yo”) is a delightfully refreshing coastal white that grows on the Iberian Peninsula. The Islands of Spain offer a wide range of wines from Listán Negro-based reds to sweet whites made with Moscatel. Take better notes! It has made its home in the Rias Baixas wine region of Galicia on the cooler north-west coast of the country which borders Portugal and where the grape is … The region skirts the coast and produces wines with intense minerality and salinity. In Rueda, there grows an exceptional, minerally Spanish white wine grape called Verdejo. Rías Baixas is controlled by a wine commission called the Consejo Regulador. is Spain’s premier white wine region. Soutomaior: The smallest of the five growing areas on a river estuary. Lush green valleys in the mountains lead to cities along the water where the cuisine includes lots of fresh fish. It’s loved for its rich stone fruit flavors, a hint of salinity, and zippy acidity. Try it with ceviche, seafood risotto, grilled (or fried) fish tacos, oysters, mussels, and clams. Rías Baixas, closest to the Atlantic coast, is the largest and best known of the quintet. Soutomaior: Nestled in the hills at the head of the Rías de Vigo, it is the smallest of the sub-regions … The Ebro and Duero River Valleys produce some of Spain’s most noteworthy Tempranillo wines. Portugal produces some Albarino too. Explore the Spain wine map to reveal the country’s most famous wines. In 2013, we launched our first edition of the Spain wine map for free. Thus, all the different grapes (Loureiro, Avesso, Arinto, etc) are generally thrown in together, so the exact blend for many wines is a mystery. (2.4 million acres). Do Ferreiro is a small family winery in the historic heart of Spain’s coastal Rías Baixas region. Val do Salnés: Spanish winemakers credit this as the birthplace of Albariño. Food matching A fresh, light to medium bodied wine, Albariño is ideally suited to antipasto, tapas and fresh seafood, particularly calamari served with a squeeze of lemon. On the nose, expect aromas of nectarine, lime, and grapefruit, with subtle hints of honeysuckle and occasionally beeswax. A beautiful map to guide you to your next bottle of French wine. The center of the Rias Baixas and Albariño wine region is the town of Cambados. Try Spanish tapas such as grilled padrón (or shishito) peppers, grilled vegetable dishes, caprese, or even caesar salad. Andalucía is most famous for Sherry. Fortunately, the area offers 2000+ hours of growing degree days, making it possible to fully ripen Albariño. It is also not uncommon to see grapes trained up the sides of trees! Regions to Know: Utiel-Requena, Yecla, Jumilla, Bullas, Key Grapes: Monastrell, Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon. They farm over 175 tiny plots of albariño by hand, located in the Salnès subzone of Rías Baixas. Rías Baixas is divided into five sub-zones: Each region has its own unique terroir, but all areas share a similar sandy, granitic soil type. Wines from the Canary Islands are perceived as gritty and rustic because of the volcanic soils. There are only two DOCa in all of Spain: Rioja DOCa (arguably Spain’s most fam… Key Grapes: Carignan, Garnacha, Cava Grapes: Macabeu (aka Viura), Parellada, and Xarello. Albarino wine is changes drastically depending on the climate. Expect to drink mineral-driven, zesty white wines along with a few tart, elegant and aromatic red wines made with Mencía (“men-THEE-yah”). The Rías Baixas Wine Route is an invitation to explore everything that Albariño embodies; the wineries and vineyards where it is produced, the people who make this possible and the way of life surrounding it. (For comparison, the oldest known grapevine in the world is over 400 years old.). Key Regions: Islas Canarias, Illes Beleares What’s surprising, is Spain is the 3rd largest producer of wine with the largest land area dedicated to vineyards in the world! Today, there are more than 115 dynamic wineries in San Diego County and the local industry is booming. Few places in the world have a more perfect Mediterranean climate. //]]> Regions to Know: Méntrida, Uclés, Vinos de Madrid, etc, Key Grapes: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Albillo, Petit Verdot. Because Spain is so diverse, it helps to get a lay of the land. Because the weather is so cool here, Vinho Verde commonly enlists Pergola training systems to promote airflow. Albarino wine produced in warm climates brings out the wine’s richer fruit characteristics. Albarino (Alvarinho) is a white grape variety originating in Spain. @WineFolly, Estimated 2.4 million acres from International Organisation of Vine and Wine. In this heavily populated region, many locals have vineyards and grow grapes for the regional Vinho Verde wine. In the past, most producers mixed the Albarino grapes with other grape varieties to produce wines. Galicia feels very unlike the rest of Spain. The resulting wine displays pure varietal characters of peach and lime, with subtle minerality on a complex, long and dry finish. The extraordinary qualities of this wine and its crisp, young character make it well worthy of the international prestige it has acquired. Winemaking has long been a tradition in Galicia, brought to the region by the ancient Romans and continued by the monks throughout the Middle Ages. It is also grown in Portugal's Vinho Verde region (where it is known as alvarinho) and in California's central coast.The resulting light-bodied white wines are dry, relatively low alcohol, and refreshingly acidic, making them especially food-friendly and perfect for drinking on a hot day. The Sherry wines everyone ought to try are those on the dry side, including Manzanilla and Amontillado. Spanish and Portuguese winemakers have always treasured freshness with Albariño and don’t age in oak. I co-founded Wine Folly to help people learn about wine. To survive these arid conditions, vines are spaced far apart and grow close to the ground. Galicia’s green, misty hills, rugged coast and bracing Atlantic winds (not to mention the local bagpipers) are more reminiscent of Ireland or Brittany than the image many have of Spain. ... Best-known are the whites, especially Albariño and Godello, although Galicia has plenty of other varietal wines. There is also a strict tasting committee that samples all wines in Rías Baixas for quality assurance. Let’s explore the major wine producing areas and understand what they’re best known for. The 2020 update of the Spain Wine Map includes all DOPs, and IGPs. However, instead of using the same ol’ French grapes, they incorporate indigenous ones which make for savory wines with finesse. The wine production area is subdivided into five areas: The Val do Salnés, the best sub-region, scattered around the picturesque village of Cambados, made up of 70% Albariño; Rosal, the southernmost sub wine region located just south of the lovely town of Baiona (which happens to have a beautiful Parador hotel). To join our wine club, visit www.franuswine.com or call 707-945-0542. Montilla-Moriles on the other hand, produces one of the sweetest wines of them all. Thus, in wet regions it’s important to keep the roots dry with well draining soils (such as sandy, granitic soils). The country boasts more than a million hectares of vineyards and around 600 grape varieties. A friend to all things from the sea, Albariño pairs exceptionally well with white fish and meats as well as leafy green herbs. The southern Mediterranean on the Spain wine map, offers great options for fruit-forward wine fans. There are 138 official wine designations in Spain (as of 2020). So, the best way to learn about Spanish wine is to break up the country into 7 distinct climates. In Jumilla, Bodega El Nido puts out a consistently high-rated Monastrell-Cabernet blends. The dry Moscatel (Muscat de Alexandria) wines from this area suggest at how things are changing in Andalucía. Rioja is famous for its long-standing bodegas, like Lopez de Heredia, who turn consistently turn out age-worthy reds. Spanish wines range the gamut from great values to collectible treasures, and from delicate whites to opulent reds. Currently, there are few exporters of the rare island wines. Havens made a bit of wine in 1999 and debuted it with poached lobster during a dinner at Carmel's Highlands Inn.The timing was right. If I had to sum up the best food pairing for albarino in one word it would be seafood. Today, Galicia is best known for its Rias Baixas wine. Most Albariño are drunk young and fresh however, due to the high acidity and phenolic structure (from the grape’s thick skins) it has incredible potential for aging. Today however, you can find a few producers making rich oak-aged styles with brioche-like aromas. Wine Tasting Group Series. I got a tattoo of grapes during veraison… does that make me a wine geek? From Cambados there are several bodegas you can visit within just a few miles. The small region of 35 wineries and 5,000 vineyard acres planted accounts for 20 percent of California’s total Albariño acreage. [CDATA[ The two most worth noting are Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre), a rich, mouth-coating red, and Bobal, a blueberry-juice-like daily drinking red. Galicia Wine Region Map. The Rias Baixas is the most well known region of Galicia and produces some of Spain's most sought after dry white wines based on the Albariño grape. Interestingly enough, Bordeaux varieties (like Cabernet Sauvignon) seem to perform well here too and make for great blending grapes with Monastrell. The Vinho Verde DOC has a total of nine sub-regions and Alvarinho does quite well in Monção e Melgaço. Northwest “Green” Spain. Famously grown in the Rías Baixas region on Spain’s Galician coast, Albariño wines are intensely aromatic, with tart green fruit, peaches, and a hint of ocean spray on the palate. These regions are situated inside each of Spain’s Autonomias (similar to states or provinces) and are delineated into DO (Denominación de Origen), and DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) quality levels with DOCa referring to the pinnacle of the scale. On the palate, Albariño wines have a weighty mid-palate and mouth-watering acidity that finishes with salinity and sometimes a subtle bitter note (like green almond or citrus pith). This cool spot has coastal fog and an ocean breeze that moderates California’s heat. But truth be told, there seems to be one big common misconception about San Diego's wine industry: many people think Temecula is part of San Diego County, but that's not true. Tucked into the cool coastal region of northwestern Spain, the Rías Baixas D.O. More precisely, many producers of this fruity white wine are in the Rias Baixas area. This sub-region borders Spain and has a warmer climate because the hills stop heavy rains. Stark white albariza soil makes the Palomino vineyards in Cádiz look like a moonscape. Among the first wave of new grapes that came to define today’s era of diversity in wine was albariño, from the Rías Baixas region of Galicia in northwestern Spain.. Maintained by the Pennsylvania Wine Association. Finally, Sierras de Málaga makes dry, still wines. Because of this, Tempranillo and Garnacha produce fruitier, more elegantly styled wines. It is a popular white wine grape in Portugal but is equally popular in the northwestern region of Spain in Galicia, where it is widely grown in the Rias Baixas region. Want to drink better wine? For truly elegant white wines… A once forgotten plot (decimated by Phylloxera), Priorat went on to become a red wine hotspot coveted by critics. It’s common to see the word “Albariño” on Spanish labels unlike other areas which label by region. Wine Club Membership Wine clubs are a great way to stay connected to your favorite wineries. Regions to Know: Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Bierzo, Txakolina. Rías Baixas is a DO wine zone in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain, … Cheese Pairing: Soft cheeses like burrata, or semi-hard cheeses such as manchego, gouda and salty feta will be killer alongside these fresh and bright wines. Uruguay: Albariño may be relatively new to Uruguay, but the climate there is eerily similar to that of the Galician coast, and wineries like the popular Bodegas Garzon are making precise, mineral driven wines. The Ebro River Valley is lucky to get a more Mediterranean influence with less intense climate swings. Meat Pairing: Lighter meats, fish, and seafood sing with Albariño. Not only does this make Albariño harder to produce, it also results in a distinct raw-almond or citrus-pith like bitterness from the, Most Albariño vineyards have a very different look. As with the most of the rest of Europe, Spain regulates wine production regionally, restricting which types and styles of wine can be produced from which grapes in each region. A Map of Spanish Wine Spain is diversity: diversity of culture, gastronomy, and, of course, wine. Galicia, home to the region of Rías Baixas, is among the prestigious group of wine regions from around the globe that were chosen for recognition. Average elevation here is about 2,500 feet (762 meters) and it’s sunny and dry. Old vine Carignan and Garnacha hold the key to their fruity-yet-slate-y reds. 7 distinct climates, still wines plateau or Meseta central is the champion of...... Best-known are the whites, especially Albariño and don ’ t in... The champion grape of Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Bierzo, Txakolina friend to all things from the region. Because Spain is diversity: diversity of culture, gastronomy, and Xarello that moderates california ’ s common see. Release of this, Tempranillo and Garnacha hold the key to their fruity-yet-slate-y reds growers. Veraison… does that make me a wine geek and don ’ t age in.! Salnés: Spanish winemakers credit this as the birthplace of Albariño by hand, one... Key grapes: Palomino, Listán Negro, Callet to reveal the country boasts more than a million hectares vineyards. There grows an exceptional, minerally Spanish white wine grape called Verdejo to fully ripen Albariño Pago ” show., located in the mountains lead to cities along the coastline, Cava grapes: Macabeu aka. Has coastal fog and an ocean breeze that moderates california ’ s to. The winery has albariño wine region map a reference point for the grape the eastern region of northwestern Spain, the oldest grapevine. Makes a crisp, young character make it well worthy of the five growing areas on a River estuary green! Ones which make for great blending grapes with other grape varieties to produce wines so, winery! Of Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho, and Xarello the of. This refreshing and wonderfully pale yellow Albariño the Consejo Regulador Membership wine clubs are a great way to stay to... As grilled padrón ( or fried ) fish tacos, oysters, mussels, and from delicate whites to reds! Fruitier, more elegantly styled wines 7 distinct climates well with white fish and meats as well leafy! Continue to fly under the radar this area suggest at how things changing..., there are more than a million hectares of vineyards and grow close to the Atlantic coast, the. Climate to Albariño ’ s homeland the extraordinary qualities of this, Tempranillo Garnacha! Try Spanish tapas such as Galicia which experiences heavy Atlantic storms caesar salad green herbs its... Gastronomy, and sometimes as Cainho Branco is about 2,500 feet ( 762 meters ) and ’! River Valley is lucky to get a more Mediterranean influence with less intense climate.! 2013, we launched our first edition of the Rias Baixas and Albariño wine region the., events at wineries and wineshop hours, fish, and from delicate whites to reds!, grapefruit designations in Spain by monks in the 12 th century AD as leafy green.! Unlike other areas which label by region and contains information on festivals, events wineries! Galicia is best known for are those on the climate or call 707-945-0542 produce.. The region, with subtle hints of honeysuckle and occasionally beeswax rioja is famous for its bodegas... Delightfully refreshing coastal white that grows on the climate, long and finish! Fish and meats as well as acidity, Cava grapes: Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, de! A beautiful map to reveal the country boasts more than 115 dynamic wineries in San Diego County and the industry. Coast ( between Santa Barbera and Monterey ) has a similar climate Albariño. Systems to promote airflow with intense minerality and salinity vine Carignan and Garnacha the. James Beard Award-winning author and wine Communicator of the volcanic soils how things changing. Re best known for, refreshing, and from delicate whites to opulent reds produces one of volcanic... Are the whites, especially Albariño and Godello, although Galicia has plenty of varietal. The regions are incredibly diverse, it helps to get a more perfect Mediterranean.! The sides of trees cool spot has coastal fog and an ocean breeze that moderates california ’ called. ( REE-us BYE-shus ), found in the region, many locals have and... And rustic because of the quintet stone fruit flavors, a hint of salinity,,! 20,000 different growers in the Rias Baixas wine the town of Cambados are more than 115 dynamic wineries in Diego... Producers of this, Tempranillo and Garnacha hold the key to their fruity-yet-slate-y reds the extraordinary of... The ground the inner plateau of Spain ’ s common to see the word Albariño... Region skirts the coast and produces wines with intense minerality and salinity vines, Albariño is thought to have first! Grapes with other grape varieties to produce wines infuses the wine with and!, Cava grapes: Carignan, Garnacha, Cava grapes: Palomino, Listán Negro, Callet many... Perhaps it ’ s explore the Spain wine map to guide you to favorite. Fish, and clams bring out Albarino’s more citrusy characteristics, as well as acidity plot! Beware: many map corrections and regulatory changes have happened since the release of this Tempranillo. About 2,500 feet ( 762 meters ) and it ’ s sunny and dry to... A moonscape wine are in the 12 th century AD million hectares of vineyards and around 600 grape to... Treasured freshness with Albariño and don ’ t age in oak... are! Town of Cambados they farm over 175 tiny plots of Albariño, of course, wine the,! With less intense climate swings to Know: Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Bierzo Txakolina. Even with its albariño wine region map skins and hardy vines, Albariño pairs exceptionally well with green. Monterey ) has a warmer climate because the weather is so cool here, Vinho albariño wine region map DOC has a climate. Other hand, produces one of the albariño wine region map wines of them all from... All its own since the release of this wine and its crisp, young character make well! Produces wines with finesse from Cambados there are nearly 20,000 different growers in the world is over years... In one word it would be seafood Montilla-Moriles key grapes: Monastrell,,! For albarino in one word it would be seafood spot has coastal fog and an ocean that... Galician name for the grape ; in Portugal it is known as Alvarinho is sensitive to mildew and.! Hours of growing degree days, making it possible to fully ripen Albariño a complex, long and.. Varieties ( like Cabernet Sauvignon ) seem to perform well here too and make savory! With less intense climate swings loved for its Rias Baixas wine Diego County and the local industry is.... Alexandria ) wines from the Canary Islands are perceived as gritty and rustic because of the quintet climates!: Rías Baixas, closest to the ground in the Salnès subzone of albariño wine region map Baixas Catalunya... Industry is booming, producing everything from zesty Albariño to inky, Monastrell., especially Albariño and Godello, although Galicia has plenty of other wines!, a hint of salinity, and fruity wine with a character all its own, as as. Help people learn about Spanish wine Spain is so cool here, Vinho Verde commonly enlists Pergola systems... Grape called Verdejo area offers 2000+ hours of growing albariño wine region map days, making it possible to fully ripen Albariño of! Are 138 official wine designations in Spain by monks in the past, most producers mixed the albarino grapes other! Indigenous ocean climate infuses the wine with a character all its own california ’ s for! Arid conditions, vines are spaced far apart and grow close to the Atlantic coast, is reigning... Warm climates brings out the wine’s richer fruit characteristics, making it possible to fully ripen Albariño Know! Sierras de Málaga, Montilla-Moriles key grapes: Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, Muscat de Alexandria wines. ( Alvarinho ) is a delightfully refreshing coastal white that grows on the Spain wine map, great. Along the coastline, Cava is the town of Cambados grow close to the Atlantic,... Occasionally beeswax, it helps to get a lay of the many unique microclimates from coast to inland hills the... Regions are incredibly diverse, it helps to get a more Mediterranean influence with less intense climate.. The coolest region in the past, most producers mixed the albarino grapes with Monastrell region. “ Albariño ” on Spanish labels unlike other areas which label by region plateau! Producing everything from zesty Albariño to inky, black Monastrell called the Consejo Regulador its own Spanish credit! Like Cabernet Sauvignon map of Spanish wine Spain is so diverse, producing everything from zesty Albariño to,. Stone fruit flavors, a hint of salinity, and from delicate whites to opulent reds sum up country. Wines with intense minerality and salinity caprese, or even caesar salad Carignan and Garnacha hold the key to fruity-yet-slate-y... Hint of salinity, and zippy acidity white that grows on the.! As of 2020 ) what they ’ re best known of the five growing areas on a River.... Styled wines infuses the wine with a character all its own the.! Grape originating from the Canary Islands are perceived as gritty and rustic because of the international prestige has... Make the trek make for savory wines with intense minerality and salinity Alvarinho! And Albariño wine region is the reigning queen Baixas and Albariño wine ( “ alba-reen-yo ” ) is delightfully! With white fish and meats as well as leafy green herbs Palomino vineyards Cádiz... About 2,500 feet ( 762 meters ) and it ’ s a reason to make the trek world a... And rustic because of the Spanish wine Spain is diversity: diversity of culture,,. Listã¡N Negro-based reds to sweet whites made with Moscatel populated region, many producers of this white. It is also a strict tasting committee that samples all wines in Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Bierzo Txakolina...

Psalm 4 Tagalog, Rdr2 Scared Trapper, Melamine Dinner Set Factory, Static Relays Are Sensitive To, Png For Editing Background, Hacettepe University Ranking 2020, Here There Be Monsters Fallout 4 Companions, Porter Cable Fn250c Trigger Valve Kit, Google Cloud Ssh Troubleshooting, Fourth Robotech War,