galician

red wine

Galician red wine is one of the most important fruity drinks in Spanish gastronomy and even one of the most appreciated in the world. Since, it contains a unique flavour that comes from the land and its particular way of harvesting.

It can be accompanied at all kinds of events and with food, with a certain partiality for meat, since the Galician red wine gives it a unique and intense flavour.

Not all Galician red wines are the same, it all depends on the harvest area or the type of technique used. There are many variations to suit the tastes of the diners. But high quality is always prioritised.
Next, we are going to explain in detail the main characteristics and how it’s influenced by the type of grape that’s used..

Galician red wine classes

As we have been able to verify, there are many nuances depending on the Denomination of Origin, we have them more or less fruity, with more or less body and even with extraordinary flavours of dried fruits.

But the result is that Galician red wine is exquisite, an art in Spanish gastronomy and highly valued. Not only because of its tradition and history, but because of the little touches that make it elegant and distinguished. This makes them,overall, the best Galician red wines.

We have 14 variations of Galician red wine, although they may come from the same place, it is important to emphasise that they do not taste the same. They all have their peculiarities, their nuances and different colours.

Therefore, we can emphasise that Galician red wine has its own personality, depending on when it is collected and how it is processed.

Merenzao

This type of grape is grown in small quantities and comes mainly from Monterrei and Valdeorras. It is characterised by having a smaller and more compact bunch, with earlier maturation. 

Its aromas of forest fruits, high content of tannins and generous natural sugar make it a feast for the palate, with an exquisite aftertaste. A wine with a lot of maturity and personality.

Therefore, we can emphasise that Galician red wine has its own personality, depending on when it is collected and how it is processed.

Tempranillo

Of all the grapes in Galician red wines it is the most representative in all of Spain and is grown in various regions of the country. It is characterised by having an intense ruby ​​colour and a balanced aroma of black plum, raspberry and cherry.

Mencía

One of the most cultivated varieties of Galician red wine in the northwest of Spain. In Galicia we find it above all in Ribeira Sacra and Monterrei. It comes from a medium bunch, compact and with a later maturation.

This type of red Galician wine has an intense aroma of forest fruits, where blackberries and gooseberries stand out. It is important to emphasise that it has a high sugar content and low acidity, but when it comes to enjoying them, it is one of the most elegant wines.

Loureira

This variant has a Denomination of Origin in Rías Baixas, with a small sized bunch and late maturation.

The result of its production is one of the best Galician red wines due to its high quality, intense aroma and strong colour. Its production is very scarce, so it is highly valued by experts.

Caíño

It has a purely Galician origin and is grown mainly in Ribeiro and Rías Baixas. This exquisite red Galician wine is appreciated for its fruity aroma, high acidity and for being able to be complemented with other varieties, since it is ideal for ageing.

Espadeiro

This is a variety of Galician red native to Galicia and is cultivated in a reduced way. But, it produces excellent wines, with a lot of body and notable acidity. In addition, a beautiful and captivating dark cherry red colour can be appreciated, along with very intense fruity aromas.

Brancellao

Mainly cultivated in Ribeiro, this red wine from Galicia has some very interesting nuances, as it provides a lot of fruity flavour, contains a very intense purple colour and perfectly balances the acidity. Without a doubt, a delight to the palate.

Sousón

It is native to the area and is cultivated mainly in Ribeiro,it comes from a smaller bunch and with a medium-late budding. This Galician red wine stands out for its darker fruits and a moderate floral intensity.

Ferrón

Although this type of fruit does not stand out for how it is planted, it does stand out for its flavour. Since it produces a very balanced, fresh Galician red wine, with aromatic notes of strawberries, cherries, raspberries and aromatic herbs.

Negreda

Also known as Mouratón, it is one of the most full-bodied variants of Galician red wine, since it has a very fruity and spicy flavour and aroma. All of this accompanied with a brilliant purple-red colour, beautiful to see against the light.

Garnacha

This type of fruit is very easy to grow and has a very good production, with a medium to large sized bunch.

It is one of the Galician reds with the most body, meatiness and a higher alcohol content. Depending on the area where it has been grown, variations in aroma and flavour are achieved. But it is dominated by nuts, roasted walnuts, blackcurrant and pepper.

Bastardo

This type of grape has been on the verge of extinction, although it is now one of the most appreciated in Galician gastronomy.

With a very high production, it has a very strong colour, being one of the most intense against the light. In addition, it is very tasty, having delicious fruity hints and a controlled acidity within its 13 degrees of alcohol.

Caíño Longo

A unique variety from the Ribeiro region, famous for being one of the Galician red wines with the most aromatic intensity.

Its most characteristic nuances are its intense aroma, both fruity and floral, and its fresh flavour. In the mouth it has very elegant tints, leaving a great flavour on the palate.

Araúxa

The Denomination of origin of this Galician red wine comes mainly from Monterrei, since it is grown at a certain altitude to guarantee a great flavour.

Its production achieves a result with a high alcohol content, a good aromatic expression and a slight acidity,somewhat sparce. Overall, a full-bodied wine with intense aromas and a strong flavour.

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Galician red wine

As we have been able to verify, there are many nuances depending on the Denomination of Origin, we have them more or less fruity, with more or less body and even with extraordinary flavours of dried fruits.

But the result is that Galician red wine is exquisite, an art in Spanish gastronomy and highly valued. Not only because of its tradition and history, but because of the little touches that make it elegant and distinguished. This makes them,overall, the best Galician red wines.