Galicia's Spanish appellation Ribeiro is betting full on its roots. Non-native grape varieties will soon disappear from its vineyards there altogether.
Text: Ingrid Larmoyeur | Image: Maria Miguel Cardeiro via Unsplash
From now on, Ribeiro - Galicia's oldest appellation - resolutely opts for tradition and authenticity by allowing only indigenous grape varieties in the future. Thus, local heroes like treixadura, lado, caíño and sousón will once again take centre stage. Varieties like merenzao, espadeiro, branco lexítimo and albilla do Avia (the latter is unique to the DO Ribeira, according to experts) are also added to the list of recommended grape varieties.
However, non-local varieties such as palomino, garnacha tintorera (alicante bouschet) and tempranillo are being phased out and are no longer allowed to be planted in new vineyards. People now distinguish in the new regulations between preferred varieties (the indigenous ones, such as treixadura) and (for now) authorised varieties (such as palomino).
Quality before quantity
Palomino and garnacha tintorera gave much quantity, but little quality here. As a result, many winemakers chose traditional indigenous varieties like treixadura and sousón again at the end of the last century.
Producers react enthusiastically: the indigenous grape varieties fit the terroir much better and bring out the character of the wine region more powerfully. A wonderful step to preserve the DNA of this historic region!
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