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16 | OHCC LIVING | MAY 2021 | Spain is the third largest producer of wine in the world, after France and Italy, who go back and forth for first. Galicia, in the northwest of Spain (an area which was originally inhabited by Celts, although the Celtic language has been lost), has five unique regions or DO (Denominación de Origen): Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras and Monterrei. Along the rugged southwestern Atlantic coast from Galicia's capital, Santiago de Compostela, to the south for about 60 miles, lies the Rías Baixas region. The area is named after the inlets (rías) along the coast and is host to five distinct areas. The Rías Baixas has an Atlantic climate that is cold and foggy and the wine produced is mostly white. Ribeiro DO is located between Rias Baixas to the west and Ribeira Sacra to the east. Wine making there is an ancient tradition dating to Roman times. Four rivers converge here, and vineyards line the river valley floors and terraces cling to the steep hillsides. The climate provides relative heavy rainfall and humidity but the inland location protects it from the Atlantic storms. White wine represents about 95 percent of the wine produced. The Ribeira Sacra DO is further inland and is bounded by the Miño and Sil Rivers. The area has a continental climate with warm summers and cold wet winters. The area specializes in the production of dry red wines but also produces white wines as well. To the east of Ribeira Sacra lies the Valdeorras region on the mountainous, easternmost fringes of Galicia, with a predominantly continental climate. The summer is warm and winter is cold but the Atlantic Ocean can exert an influence. Most of the wines produced in this area are dry white wines. Monterrei is the wine region located in the south-eastern corner of Galicia, bordering Portugal. It is the warmest and driest area in Galicia. Both red and white wine grape varieties can reliably be ripened in Monterrei's climate. Where can you get wine from Galicia? You would probably have to order it on-line, but some of the specialty wine shops in North County may well carry some. The Wine Tasting Club is still unable to meet in person, but as vaccinations increase we may have a chance of meeting without using Zoom. New residents interested in joining the club can contact any club officer. Wine Tasting Club

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