Ribeiro Designation of Origin
The Ribeiro appellation of origin, known as Ribero wine, has its name derived from the Galician for “river bank”.
This historic region is experiencing a benefit from climate change, which translates into higher quality vintages.
The grapes for the creation of SiAH come from the renowned areas of Beade and Gomariz. Isabel is in charge of supervising the selection of grapes to guarantee the quality of our wines.
The Ribeiro DO is located on the northwestern edge of the province of Orense. At the confluence of the rivers Miño, Avia, Arnoia and Barbantiño. The climate, temperate and humid, maintains an average temperature of 14.5°C (57°F). The soils are mostly granitic and acidic.
The wines of this appellation stand out for their exquisite fruity and floral aromas, made from traditional native varieties.
Ribeiro white wines are light, fresh, dry, fruity and pale straw-colored
Geographic Zone
Vine cultivation has been boosted for centuries by its exceptional climate, allowing the production of high quality grapes without the need for sophisticated oenological technologies.
The Ribeiro D.O. has a slightly continental character. Combined with the air currents, it generates a marked thermal difference between day and night. This favors the gradual ripening of the grapes and preserves their aromatic components and natural freshness. The maritime influence, mainly through the Miño river basin, creates specific climatic bands on the slopes, contributing to an Atlantic character. Limiting the cultivation of grape varieties in the Ribeiro D.O. to approximately 450 meters above sea level.
The soils are divided into three categories: most originate from granitic materials, while a smaller proportion is formed from metamorphic and sedimentary materials.
Despite the high altitude, water availability decreases significantly from flowering to ripening. This creates a certain water stress that contributes to the final quality of the grapes, maintaining a natural balance in the geographical environment of the Ribeiro D.O., essential for the production of exceptional wines.
History
The history of the Ribeiro D.O. dates back to the Roman Empire, when vine cultivation was established in the region. It survived the Germanic invasions.
During the High Middle Ages, vine cultivation in Ribeiro revived and became one of the main crops.
Viticulture gained popularity and important ecclesiastical and aristocratic influences established estates and priories in the region. In the 11th century, Ribeiro wine was the most prestigious wine in Santiago de Compostela.
For distribution, the wine was transported to centers of consumption and redistribution such as Ourense, Santiago, Tui and Pontevedra. The latter was a fundamental port for its maritime transport. Ribeiro wines were also carried on the ships that transported the first settlers to America. Being one of the first beverages tasted in the New World.
Finally, in 1932, the Ribeiro Designation of Origin received legal protection with the publication of the Wine Statute, passed into law on May 26, 1933. In 1956, the Regulatory Council was established to supervise and guarantee the quality of the wines of this prestigious wine region.
