D.O. Ribeira Sacra

The D.O. Ribeira Sacra lies in inland Galicia, between southern Lugo and northern Ourense, and its vineyards stretch across the spectacular slopes of the Sil and Miño rivers. Its main red grape is Mencía, the basis of fresh, expressive reds that have made the area famous.

Alongside Mencía, the preferred red varieties also include Brancellao, Merenzao, Sousón, Caíño Tinto, Caíño Longo and Caíño Bravo. Authorised red varieties include Garnacha Tintorera, Mouratón, Tempranillo and Gran Negro.

Although Ribeira Sacra is especially known for its Mencía reds, its white wines have gained considerable importance, particularly those made from Godello.

The preferred white varieties are Godello, Loureira, Treixadura, Dona Branca, Albariño, Torrontés, Branco Lexítimo and Caíño Branco.

Ribeira Sacra Mencía wines usually stand out for their fruity, fresh character, with notes of red and black fruit, flowers, herbs and, depending on the soil, mineral sensations. In contrast to the more powerful, riper styles of other Spanish regions, many producers here seek wines of freshness, aromatic expression and a strong sense of vineyard identity.

Godello wines can offer white and stone fruit, floral and mineral notes, good acidity and a relatively broad texture. There are also versions aged on lees or with time in oak.

The appellation shows considerable diversity. In the Miño valley, soils derived from granitic materials predominate, while in the Sil areas other compositions appear, including soils with a higher clay content.

The climate also changes from one valley to another. This combination of slopes, aspect, altitude, rivers, climate and soil is key to understanding the diversity of Ribeira Sacra wines.

Appellation: D.O. Ribeira Sacra
Region: Galicia
Provinces: Lugo and Ourense
Main rivers: Sil and Miño
Vineyard area stated by the Regulatory Council: around 2,500 hectares
Subzones: Amandi, Chantada, Quiroga-Bibei, Ribeiras do Miño and Ribeiras do Sil
Main red grape: Mencía
Main white grape: Godello
Main types: red, white and rosé wines
Distinctive feature: cultivation on steep slopes and terraces, associated with so-called heroic viticulture.