The Second Glass

In the second installment of our conversation with Ryan and Gabriella Opaz, of Catavino.net who are wine bloggers currently in residence in Barcelona, Spain, we’ll focus on the appelation of Galicia. Considered the wettest region in Spain, Galicia contains five D.O. (Denominación de Origen) wine regions: Rias Baixas, Ribeiro, Valdeorras, Monterrei and Ribeira Sacra.

So how do they measure up? “Only, Rias Baixas has truly carved out a name for itself in the international community for producing crisp, refreshing white wines made from the Albariño grape,” the Opaz’s informed us. Also produced in the area are some bomb Godellos and Treixaduras, the perfect complement to their traditional seafood.

So with that, we bring you the major grapes of Galicia:

• Major White: Albariño, Loureira Blanca, Treixadura Caiño Blanca, Godello, Doña Blanca

• Minor White: Torrentés, , Verdello, Palomino, Monstruosa, Valenciana, LadoSo.

But uh, back to the lecture at hand. Much like the wines of California or France, the vino in Spain varies from region to region. “Wines of Galicia can have a crisp effervescent freshness with overtones of melon and a long, luxurious finish, while others have a slightly softer, peachier fruit, or can even show more weight and less fruit,” Ryan and Gabriella said, “The combinations, even for a white wine from one region of Spain, are limitless.” The climate along the coast of Galicia is directly affected by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, with wet winters and sea mists.

So if you’re looking for a nice crisp white to take the place of your usual Sauvignon Blanc, check out an Ablariño or Loureira Blanca. These wines were basically created to be paired with seafood, so if you’re cooking up some Centolla or even grilling some Salmon, Treixadura Caiño Blanca or Doña Blanca will be the perfect compliment.

So there you have it. It’s like this and like that and Galicia.

Stay tuned for more from the Catavino Crew next week as they drop knowledge about Sherry.

For more info on wines from Spain and Portugal read Ryan and Gabriella Opaz’s blog Catavino