SAMPLING ALBARIÑO WINE AT THE RIAS BAIXAS WINE REGION OF GALICIA, SPAIN 

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The Rias Baixas wine region of Spain’s northwestern region of Galicia is one of the most beautiful wine regions of Spain and certainly one of the finest European wine regions.

I traveled to Spain’s Rias Baixas wine region with the intention of sampling the delicious white wine from the Albariño grape that had been receiving such accolades in the wine community.

The Albariño wine is dry and crisp. The color is late afternoon sunshine with rays of emerald and gold. It has a smooth taste with a fruity bouquet but not a fruity taste. A tad salty with a whiff of citrus.

What’s albariño wine like?

Like many white wines, the fresh, smooth taste is perfect with seafood, fish, cheeses and the hearty empanada Gallega, a local delicacy similar to a savory meat or fish pie with a flakey crust.

Although there is evidence of winemaking in Rias Baixas since Roman times, the albariño grape is believed to have been introduced into the area in the 12th century by monks from Pontevedra, the capital of the province.

The ideal wine-growing weather and terrain contributed to the wine’s popularity throughout the centuries as did wine exports to other European countries.

In 1988 the Rias Baixas wine appellation was officially declared and formed. Today, most of the cultivated area of the Rias Baixas Designation of Origin, or D.O., is occupied by the Albariño grape although there are other outstanding varieties as well.

Today there are over 100 wineries in the Rias Baixas wine region. Some can be as small as half an acre in one’s back yard for home use and some sales to local wineries and restaurants.

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