Galicia

Wines of Galicia

The Atlantic elegance of Spanish wine

In north-western Spain, between green mountains and Atlantic shores, Galicia (Galicia) cultivates a unique wine-growing identity. Its white wines, with their incomparable freshness, are among the most refined on the Iberian Peninsula. Thanks to a mild and humid oceanic climate, the region offers a striking contrast to the more arid areas of Andalusia and Aragon. Here, the rain nourishes the vines, the wind brings the salinity of the sea, and the granite gives the wine its mineral tension.

Galicia's wine region is a land of passion where each bodega perpetuates ancestral know-how, combining tradition and innovation. Lovers of Iberian white wines will find an exceptional terroir to explore here — elegant, fresh and expressive.

A terroir shaped by the Atlantic Ocean

The Galician vineyards stretch along the river valleys and Atlantic coast. This unique geography creates a mosaic of microclimates: granitic, schist or sandy soils, morning mists and salty winds.

These conditions produce Galician wines that are aromatic, lively and balanced.

The temperate climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving a natural acidity that gives the wines great vivacity. Galician wine culture focuses on authenticity: here, there are few international single varietals, but rather a focus on local varieties such as Albariño, Godello and Treixadura.

The great Galician grape varieties

Albariño – the star of the Rías Baixas

The emblematic grape variety of Galicia, Albariño is the symbol of the Rías Baixas, in the south of the region. Its wines are appealing with their pale colour and aromas of citrus, white peach and orange blossom. Their salty, mineral taste is reminiscent of the nearby ocean.

Perfect with seafood, these white wines are among the most popular in Spain.

Godello – the nobility of the highlands

Grown mainly in the DO Valdeorras, Godello produces full-bodied, elegant and slightly creamy wines. Its aromas evoke pear, honey and aromatic herbs.

Treixadura and Loureira – allies of balance

These two grape varieties are found in the more continental Ribeiro DO, where they bring roundness and aromatic complexity. Their blend produces wines of great finesse, perfect for accompanying grilled fish or fresh cheeses.

Mencía – the Galician red with character

Although Galicia is best known for its whites, Mencía, grown in Ribeira Sacra or Monterrei, produces fresh, floral reds with silky tannins and notes of red fruit and violet.

Galicia's must-try appellations

The region has five main appellations, each expressing a different facet of the Galician terroir:

Rías Baixas: the kingdom of Albariño, with its salty and aromatic white wines.
Valdeorras: high-altitude terroirs producing high-quality Godello and Mencía.
Ribeira Sacra: steep vineyards on the slopes of the Sil River, offering elegant reds.
Monterrei: a more continental area, producing balanced and rounded wines.
Ribeiro: the oldest Galician appellation, famous for its blended whites.

These appellations demonstrate the diversity of Galician wines, where each valley produces a unique expression of the Atlantic climate.

The characteristics of Galician white wines

Galician white wines are distinguished by : a natural acidity and crisp freshness, fruity (citrus, green apple, peach) and floral aromas, a typical minerality due to the granite soils and a creamy texture for wines aged on lees.

This combination makes these wines both gastronomic and easy to drink. Their balance between tension and roundness appeals to discerning connoisseurs and novices alike.