Wine Tourism in D.O. RIBEIRO
The oldest Designation of Origin in Galicia. Traditionally, the figure of the winegrower has a strong presence and relevance in the territory of the D.O. Ribeiro. Currently, some 5,500 are registered which, together with 115 wineries and colleiteiros, make up the productive structure of the designation. With around 2,500 hectares of vineyards and an average production of 14 million kilos of grapes, Ribeiro is a designation of origin characterised by its great parcelling and diversification. A winegrowing heritage that represents the Galician essence through its landscape, territory and human factor.
A unique area for unique wines
Wines of landscape and territory, traditionally made from wise blends of native varieties, each one contributing its peculiarities to obtain authentic and genuine wines. Wines with marked Atlantic traits: fresh, fine and elegant, nuanced by a gentle influence of the Mediterranean climate. The characteristic climatic transition factor, together with the orientations and slopes of the vineyard, the use and blending of local varieties and the type of soil, define the Ribeiro style. In addition, the differentiation of the three valleys (Avia, Miño and Arnoia) that make up the designation of origin turn Ribeiro into a mosaic of diversity.
The land and the climate
The Ribeiro Designation of Origin is located in Galicia, on the north-western edge of the province of Ourense and at the confluences of the valleys formed by the rivers Miño, Avia and Arnoia.
Zones
A region 45 km from the Atlantic Ocean, in a very particular area with excellent aptitude for growing vines. Covering approximately 2,500 hectares, the production area for the wines protected by the Ribeiro designation of origin encompasses the municipalities of Ribadavia, Arnoia, Castrelo de Miño, Carballeda de Avia, Leiro, Cenlle, Beade, Punxín and Cortegada; the parishes of Banga, Cabanelas and O Barón, in the municipality of O Carballiño; the parishes of Pazos de Arenteiro, Albarellos, Laxas, Cameixa and Moldes in the municipality of Boborás; the localities of Santa Cruz de Arrabaldo and Untes in the municipality of Ourense, and, in the municipality of Toén, the localities of Puga, A Eirexa de Puga, O Olivar, the village of Feá and Celeirón and the parish of Alongos; and the locality of A Touza in the municipality of San Amaro.
Microclimates
The D.O. Ribeiro is located in a transition zone of Galicia with a Mediterranean character softened by the Atlantic influence due to the short distance from the ocean. The slightly continental character, in conjunction with the prevailing air currents, causes a significant thermal difference between day and night, which favours slow ripening while respecting the aromatic component and natural freshness.
WHITES, REDS, TOSTADOS AND SPARKLING WINES
White Wine
The majority of production, white wines are made mostly from the Treixadura grape accompanied by other varieties in smaller proportions. They are usually young wines with a high potential for ageing in the bottle.
Red Wine
Ribeiro red wines are authentic, with character and genuine. They represent around 10% of production and their personality is defined by the native grapes.
Tostado Wine
A naturally sweet wine with a long tradition in Ribeiro. A true oenological jewel, laborious, complex and very scarce to produce.
Sparkling Wines
Wines made from the preferred varieties using the “traditional method”.
