2016 Extramundi, Pazo Tizón, Ribeiro, Spain

Bodegas Pazo Tizon

Ribeiro

The Ribeiro wine region, also known as Ribeiro DO (Denominación de Origen), is one of Spain’s oldest and most historic wine-producing areas. It sits along the valleys of the Miño, Avia, and Arnoia rivers in the northwest region of Galicia, with a viticultural history dating back to Roman times.

Ribeiro benefits from a mild maritime climate with Atlantic influences, providing the region with ample rainfall and moderate temperatures. The diverse topography, with its river valleys and hills, results in a varied microclimate that influences the character of the wines. The soils mix granite and slate, adding distinct minerality to the wines.

The local producers are known for using indigenous grape varieties, which contribute to the unique and authentic character of the wines. The primary red grape variety is Mencía, while the main white grapes include Treixadura, Albariño, Godello, Loureira, and Torrontés.

The white wines are renowned for their crisp acidity, floral aromas, and fruity flavours, often displaying a lively character and can be enjoyed in their youth. The red wines, mainly made from Mencía, offer a medium body, red fruit notes, and gentle tannins.

Ribeiro has a Regulatory Council (Consejo Regulador) that oversees the production and quality standards of the wines. This ensures that wines labelled as Ribeiro DO meet the region’s requirements and maintain its reputation for producing high-quality wines.

Overall, Ribeiro is a charming and authentic wine region, producing wines with a sense of place and a rich cultural heritage. Its commitment to indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking practices has contributed to its continued success and recognition in the world of Spanish wines.

Other Varieties

There are over 200 different grape varieties used in modern wine making (from a total of over 1000). Most lesser known blends and varieties are traditional to specific parts of the world.