It was June 24th, a truly lovely tasting on the theme "On the Road to Galicia"! We (re)discovered whites and reds of great finesse, all delicate and imbued with the minerality of their terroir.
We were able to compare different indigenous grape varieties, all exhibiting distinct characteristics. Then we also rediscovered, through photos (and tasting!), the specificities of several magnificent Galician appellations.
First, the little journey began in Txakoli in Getaria to awaken our taste buds with salinity!
Then straight to Rias Baixas! This 4000-hectare appellation is located very close to the Atlantic, at altitudes below 100 meters. The soils are mainly granitic, often with sand on the surface. These are quite acidic, permeable, and deep soils.
Now to the heart of the matter, the Great Ribeira Sacra, a magnificent vineyard with dizzying slopes! Over 2500 hectares, the maritime influence is undeniable and brings softness to the ripeness of the grapes. The soils are mostly a mix of granite and schist on incredible slopes.
Then our path wound along the Bierzo route, in León, continuous with the Galician vineyards. Also cultivating Mencia, Bierzo experiences an oceanic influence, very suitable for viticulture. The superb "star" appellation enjoys a very special microclimate, due to the natural barrier of the Sierra de los Ancares.
The tasting concluded with the Cuvée A Portela 2015 in Valdeorras, a neighboring vineyard of Ribeira Sacra, which offers breathtaking majestic landscapes and equally refined wines.
This last cuvée was paired with homemade stuffed peppers! A delight! 😋
🍷 Wines tasted 🍷
1. LARRANAGA G.1200 2020 DO Getariako Txakolina Basque Country
Grape variety: Hondarribi Xuria (Gros Courbu)
2. FORJAS DEL SALNES Leirana 2021 DO Rias Baixas
Grape variety: Albariño 100%
3. FEDELLOS DO COUTO Conasbrancas 2020 Ribeira Sacra
Grape varieties: Doña Blanca, Godello
4. FORJAS DEL SALNES Goliardo Tinto 2020 DO Rias Baixas
Grape varieties: Caíño, Loureiro, Espadeiro
5. RAUL PEREZ El Castro de Valtuille 2020 Mencia
Grape variety: Mencia
6. FEDELLOS DO COUTO Lomba dos Ares 2017 Ribeira Sacra
Grape varieties: Garnacha Tintorera, Caíño Tinto, Merenzao, Mencía, Mouratón
7. ALBERTO ORTE A Portela 2015 DO Valdeorras
Grape variety: Mencia
