galicia, home of albarino

Galicia, the autonomous province of Spain situated directly north of Portugal, is a mountainous district known for its pilgrimage routes, rugged coastline, pirate coves, and of course its wines, most famously of Albarino.

The region was an important fishing ground during Roman and Medieval times, and one coastal district known as the Val de Salnes (from the Latin Territorium Salinense) was known for its salt flats providing salt for preserving the local catch for export.

During the High Middle Ages’ 12th Century, Cistercian monks began to cultivate Albarino in the region. The grape is well suited to the climate and the granitic soils of the zone, and achieves perfect ripeness in the cool Atlantic breezes that blow in from the West.

After establishment of the DO in 1988, five subregions were recognized, the most important of which is the Val do Salnes, which produces by itself 66% of the DO’s Albarino.

For more in the Rias Baixas…

vinabade

Located in the heart of the Salnes Valley, Viñabade was founded by Manuel Vázquez 50 years ago. The second generation of the family, sister and brother Myriam and Manuel Vázquez, now run the winery, and produce wines of character and personality. 

The name "Viñabade" means "Abbot's Vineyard" in the Galician language, a reference to the Cluny monks who are believed to have brought Albariño to the area from Burgundy in the 12th or 13th century. The winery is located in Val do Salnés, the oldest sub-zone of Rias Baixas. The granitic soil and cool Atlantic climate provide perfect growing conditions for Albariño, producing elegant, fresh and crisp wines. 

Located in the Val do Salnes, Vinabade is a great example of “clean winemaking” - chemicals are avoided, vineyard work and harvest by hand, fermentation using natural yeasts, settling by gravity with only occasional light filtration, no additives during winemaking.

Their Albarino is a clean, bright wine, golden yellow with greenish tinges. The nose is floral nose with notes of apple, apricot and peach; and on the palate it’s beautifully fresh with balanced acidity, structure and body.