Where nature and humanity ally to make beautiful wine.

Rías Baixas is Galician for “lower Rias,” and refers to the fjord-like estuaries that carve out the incomparable landscape along the Atlantic coast of Galicia, Spain. The rías are arms of the sea that mix fresh and salt water to sustain the area’s renowned maritime life – while also shaping the terroir of Spain’s most famous white wines. The history of the Rías Baixas region dates back to 1980, when an official denomination was created specifically for the local Albariño grape variety. In 1988 the DO became Rías Baixas to reflect place over grape variety. Subject to stringent quality regulations by the Consejo Regulador, the Albariño wines of Rías Baixas are known for crisp, bracing minerality and pronounced aromatics that rank among the world’s highest-rated wines.

First time visitors might find Galicia’s lush, rugged landscape has more commonality with Ireland than with the arid plains typical of southerly Spain. Even the language, Gallego, contains words of Celtic origin. Yet, this autonomous region retains a distinct cultural identity down to its customs, food, and wine. Nowhere else in the world can you enjoy a plate of local favorite pulpo a la Gallega, or octopus dusted in smoked paprika, with a glass of crisp, aromatic Albariño by the sea.

With the right mix of climate, soil, and grapes, winemakers can turn nature’s attributes into liquid magic. In Rías Baixas, that combination -- a wet coastal environment balanced by ample sunshine during critical growing and ripening periods, and mineral-rich granite soils -- creates world-class Albariño. The cooler temperatures of northwest Spain lend precision, freshness, and elegance to the wines, helping them last longer in the bottle, especially when the quality level is high.

When you sip a wine, then taste a dish and discover the combined effect to be better than the individual components -- that’s culinary synergy. Synergy is the Holy Grail of pairing, although one shouldn’t think too hard about finding the perfect match. An easy tip is to keep wines on hand that are food versatile, wines like Albariño whose acidity, body, mineral, and fruit flavors make it easy to enjoy on the table with dinner -- or in your glass while you’re cooking it.