D.O. Monterrei

Wine tourism in D.O. Monterrei

The D.O. Monterrei is located in the south of the province of Ourense, on the border with Portugal. It is divided into two subzones: the Monterrei Valley and the Monterrei Hillside, and it comprises the municipalities of Castrelo do Val, Monterrei, Oímbra, Riós Verín and Vilardevós. It currently has 26 wineries registered under the designation and a vineyard area of 571 hectares.

A unique region for unique wines

Anyone who travels this route will discover a different landscape, a path bathed in the colours of wine, enriched by its history, its cuisine and, above all, by the hospitality of its people. Although it is not very extensive, the route lies in a region of great cultural and agricultural wealth. All who visit Monterrei will feel they are in a different land, with walled enclosures, centuries-old paths, pilgrimage routes, rock-cut winepresses, vernacular architecture, endless hills, wild nature and, above all, wine, fine wine.

The land and the climate

The D.O. Monterrei is located in the south of the province of Ourense, on the border with Portugal. It is divided into two subzones: the Monterrei Valley and the Monterrei Hillside, and it comprises the municipalities of Castrelo do Val, Monterrei, Oímbra, Riós Verín and Vilardevós. It currently has 26 wineries registered under the designation and a vineyard area of 571 hectares.

Zones

As for the soils, three types are present in the Monterrei region: slaty and schistose (which give aromas to the red wines), granitic and sandy (deriving from the degradation of granitic rocks, with low pH values, suitable for white wines), and sedimentary (complex owing to the mixture of materials).

Microclimates

The Monterrei Designation of Origin has a temperate Mediterranean climate with a continental tendency, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Its summers are hot and dry, while its winters are cold. The area shows considerable temperature swings of up to 30º during the ripening season.

White varieties:

• Godello: Also known as Verdello, it is the most abundant white variety in the area. Its main feature is its small, compact bunch, with early ripening. Its wines are very elegant, fruity in character, glyceric and full-bodied.

• Treixadura: Also known as Verdello Louro, it is the second most widespread white variety. Its medium-sized bunch and thick skin make its ripening late. The wines are very aromatic, floral in character, balanced and very elegant.

• Dona Blanca: Known in other areas as Moza Fresca, it has a loose, medium-sized bunch and ripens early, giving wines of a fruity character, medium-bodied and very moreish.

• Albariño: A variety less widespread than Godello or Treixadura. Its bunch is small and loose, which makes it a very early-ripening grape variety. Its wines are very aromatic and with an acidic edge that makes them very fresh. It is always made as a contribution to other varieties.

• Loureira: It represents a very small percentage among the white varieties grown in the area. With a marked aroma of laurel and high acidity, it is used together with other varieties. Its elongated bunch and thick skin make this variety very late-ripening.

• Blanca de Monterrei: A scarce variety in the area. Its medium-sized, not very compact bunch makes its ripening semi-early. It has a pronounced flavour with a characteristic bitterness.

• Caíño Blanco: A very scarce variety throughout the area. Its loose bunch means this variety ripens semi-late and serves as a complement to other varieties in winemaking.

Red varieties of Monterrei

Red varieties:

• Mencía: It is the most widespread red variety in the area. Its bunch is medium-sized and compact, with semi-late ripening. The wines are cherry-red in colour, with a marked character of forest fruits and a persistent, elegant flavour. Well cultivated, it produces wines of great quality and with much personality.

• Merenzao: Also known in the area as Bastardo, it is a variety not very widespread in the area. Its small, compact bunch and its very early ripening give the wines maturity and much personality.

• Araúxa: It is the second most widespread red variety in the area. Its bunch is large and not very compact. It produces wines of an intense purple colour, marked fruity and floral aroma, good acidity and much body.

• Caíño Tinto: A variety not very widespread in the area but no less important than the others. Its marked fruity aroma and its high acidity make this variety ideal for ageing, always complementing it with others.

• Sousón: A very scarce variety in the area. When well ripened it gives much colour, a powerful aroma and notable body. Because of its characteristics, this variety is ideal for ageing.