EAST SETAUKET, N.Y. - s4story -- Galicia, perched in the verdant, misty northwest corner of Spain, is a region rich in history, culture, and a deep winemaking tradition that stretches back to Roman times. Often described as "Green Spain," Galicia's cool, rainy climate and lush landscape are a stark contrast to the sun-baked plains of central and southern Spain. Its unique terroir, indigenous grape varieties, and Atlantic influence contribute to wines of striking freshness, minerality, and character.

Galicia is most renowned for its white wines, though there are some compelling reds gaining international attention. The dominant white grape is Albariño, grown primarily in the Rías Baixas DO (Denominación de Origen), the most famous appellation in Galicia. Albariño wines from Rías Baixas are celebrated for their vibrant acidity, crisp citrus flavors, stone fruit notes, and often a distinctive saline minerality — a reflection of the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. These wines are perfect for pairing with Galicia's bountiful seafood, such as pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) or fresh oysters.

More on S For Story

• New Book "Lemonade Tough" Offers Real-World Resilience for Life After Trauma
• Julian Raven Releases Second Edition of Odious & Cerberus Following Resignation of Smithsonian Director Kim Sajet
• Cynthia Pinot Among Artists Selected for Renowned London Art Biennale 2025
• Real Estate Experts Highlight Jersey Shore as a Smart Buy in 2025
• From Barrio to Transgender Pioneer: Chapter 12 of A Letter to Pawtone

In addition to Albariño, several other indigenous white grape varieties thrive in Galicia. Godello, particularly in the DO of Valdeorras, produces wines of greater body and complexity compared to Albariño, often with flavors of pear, apple, and a creamy, mineral-laced finish. Treixadura, found primarily in the Ribeiro DO, offers aromatic wines with floral notes, citrus, and a hint of spice. Loureira and Caiño Blanco also contribute to the region's white wine tapestry, often blended with other varieties to create complex and aromatic wines.

On the red side, Galicia is a treasure trove of unique and lesser-known grape varieties. Mencía, the star red grape of the DOs of Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras, produces elegant, medium-bodied wines with bright red fruit flavors, floral aromatics, and a fresh, mineral-driven structure. These wines share a kinship with Pinot Noir or Cru Beaujolais, making them incredibly food-friendly and versatile.

Other red varieties include Caiño Tinto, Brancellao, and Sousón, which often feature in blends, particularly in the Ribeiro and Rías Baixas regions. These grapes contribute savory, spicy, and earthy nuances, creating complex and age-worthy red wines that offer an exciting alternative to the more powerful reds of Rioja or Ribera del Duero …

https://www.moraswines.com/wines-of-galicia-green-spain/