📍 Ribeira Sacra

Ribeira Sacra (“Sacred Bank”) is a wine zone in north-western Spain, in Galicia, in the deep canyons of the Miño and Sil rivers. It is part of Galicia and one of the most spectacular wine zones in the country. The name refers to medieval monasteries that founded and developed vine growing here.

Vineyards sit on incredibly steep terraces stepping down to the water. Slopes can reach 80 per cent, so nearly all work is done by hand, and this is called “heroic viticulture”. Soils are slate and granite, and the climate is between Atlantic and continental.

The main red grape is Mencía, giving light, fresh wines with red-berry and floral aromas and modest tannin. The best white is Godello, which makes mineral, rich wines with good acidity. Mencía and Godello also grow in neighbouring Bierzo, in Castile and León.

Many small family estates work in Ribeira Sacra, and the wines differ from heavier Spanish reds. Neighbouring Bierzo in Castile and León also works with Mencía and Godello, but wines here are usually lighter and fresher. White Godello goes well with Galician fish and seafood, and red Mencía with meat and cured sausages.