Ribeiro Wine Region Guide

Ribeiro wine appellation is the oldest wine appellation in the autonomous region Galicia wine, in the province of Ourense, in northwest Spain. The region is spread across 30 km 2 with 1182 hectares of vineyard across 9 municipalities. The Ribeiro wine appellation was granted Denominación de Origen in 1932 and is regulated by the local Consejo Regulador. The region of Ribeiro has been producing amazing white wines since the middle ages that express the terroir of Northern Spain. Large quantities of white fortified Ribadavia wines were sold to England in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Ribeiro!

Where is the Ribeiro wine region?

Ribeiro wine appellation is located in the northern corner of Spain, in the province of Galicia, in the valleys created due to  Miño, Arnoia, and Avia rivers. The region is surrounded by Rias Baixas from the west and Ribeira Sacra to the east. Ribeiro wine appellation lies barely 48km from the Atlantic Ocean. The region is just 33 km North of the Portugal border, 115km southwest of Lugo, and 301km west of Leon. The total vineyard surface is approximately 1182 hectares and there are currently 40 wineries in operation.

History of the Ribeiro wine region

Wine has been the major source of income in the Ribeiro region and wine trading dates back to Roman times through the Galician Atlantic Port. The ancient Romans are thought to have planted the first vineyards which were later developed by Cistercian Monks during the middle ages. The region had its first downfall in the 5th century when Barbarians conquered the area and destroyed all the vineyards. The region was famous for its sweet wines from the Medieval times to the 18th century, which were made here long before they were produced in the Canary Islands or Andalusia. The Ribeiro wine appellation could not sustain the market in the 20th century as the market was saturated with cheaper wines which were the outcome of mass production of wines across Europe with high yielding, low quality, and non-indigenous grapes. 

The terroir and geography of the Ribeiro wine region

Just 48km east of the Atlantic Ocean, the Ribeiro wine appellation has continental as well as maritime climate allowing grapes to ripen evenly. The range of mountains in the west help protects the region from harsh climatic conditions. The region is blessed with sunshine(1900 hours a year) and rainfall(950mm a year). The average temperature is 14.5 degrees Celsius making the region warmer than neighboring regions. The region comprises rolling hills and valleys with the most vineyards at altitudes of 75-400 meters above sea level. The soil is granite based with a content of stones and gravels with less organic matter. 

Popular grape varieties from the Ribeiro wine region

Treixadura, Torrontes, Godello, Loureiro, and Albarino are the main grape varietals cultivated in the Ribeiro wine appellation. The region accounts for approximately 95% of white wine production. Grape varieties authorized in the region are as follows:

White grapes Varietals: Treixadura, Torrontés, Godello, Loureira, Albariño; also authorized are Palomino, Albillo, and Macabeo.

Red grapes Varietals: Caíño tinto, Caiño Longo, Caiño Bravo, Sousón, Ferrón, Mencía, Brancellao; also authorized are Tempranillo and Garnacha tintorera.

Food to pair with Ribeiro wine 

Andalusian Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a refreshing summer soup that is simple to prepare. This cold soup originated in the Iberian peninsula and swiftly spread to other parts of the world. This light soup is popular in Spain and Portugal. This salad combines crushed tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and peppers, and is topped with croutons and vinegar. There are several variations available now, depending on the ingredients, texture, and thickness. This meal complements the wine Laderas del Genil.

Gambas en Gabardina

Gambas en gabardina is a traditional Spanish tapa that gained popularity during the late 1950s.  First, fresh shrimp are covered in a batter of flour, baking powder, beer, and salt, with a touch of saffron added for color. Then, deep fry in hot olive oil. The dish is simple and often served as a tapa or as an appetizer, preferably with alioli sauce. Alioli Sauce is a rich garlic sauce with a texture akin to mayonnaise, used in Provençal cuisine in France and Catalonia in Spain. 

Asparagus a la Flamande

Asparagus a la Flamande is a traditional Belgian dish that consists of cooked white asparagus topped with mashed hard-boiled eggs, butter, lemon juice, and parsley. There are different variations in the recipes, so some cooks choose to top it with ham, salmon, or shrimp.

The dish perfectly complements the Treixadura wines from the Ribeiro wine appellation. 

Places to visit in the Ribeiro wine region

Castillo de Ribadavia

Castillo de Ribadavia is a historic fortress built on the banks of the Avia River in the province of Galicia. The castle is also known as the Castle of the Sarmiento Gods which was resident of the counts of Ribadavia of the Sarmiento dynasty until the 17th century. The chapel of San Xes de Francelos existed where the castle now stands until the 15th century which has been relocated to the town’s outskirts in the parish of Francelos. The castle was said to be built during the 14th century with the commission of Enrique II, the lordship of Ribadavia. One of the most major theatre competitions was held in the fortress in July of the previous year.

Ethnological Museum of Ribadavia

Ethnological Museum of Ribadavia is housed in Pazo de Baamonde in Historic center of Ribadavia. The museum exhibits cultural and historical aspects of the rural area of the province of Ourense. The museum also held temporary exhibitions specially focussing on textiles, clothes, jewelry, photographs, music, instruments, and other significant way of living from different periods of time in the province. The museum is funded by agricultural organizations as well as wine organizations in the area. The Ribadavia Ethnological Museum is owned by the state and operated by the Xunta de Galicia.

Frequently asked questions about Ribeiro