Pazo Señorans is one of DO Rías-Baixas’ leading producers.

The influence of Marisol Bueno and Javier Mareque on the founding and development of the DO Rías-Baixas and its primary variety Albariño can be traced back to their purchase in 1979 of an ancient 16th-century country estate, its kiwi orchards, and old-vine Albariño vineyards. Located in the town of Meis, Pazo Señorans lies close to the sea on acidic, sandy soils created by the natural decomposition of the granitic bedrock below. Early on, they recognised the potential of Albariño and were instrumental in the creation of the DO just a decade after they arrived in Meis. The wines from this Estate demonstrate above all the ageing potential of Albariño that no other producer can mimic.

Galicia, in Spain’s verdant northwest, is a cool, maritime wine region shaped by the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is mild and humid, with abundant rainfall and mist, fostering lush vegetation but requiring skilled vineyard management to prevent disease. Coastal breezes moderate temperatures, extending the growing season and preserving vibrant acidity in the grapes.

The region’s soils vary by subzone: in Rías Baixas, granitic sands dominate, offering excellent drainage and imparting minerality; Ribeiro features alluvial and schist-based soils; Valdeorras is rich in slate, while Monterrei and Ribeira Sacra combine granite, slate, and clay. These diverse terroirs allow for a range of wine styles.

Galicia’s star white grape is Albariño, producing crisp, aromatic wines with citrus, stone fruit, and saline notes. Godello offers a fuller-bodied style with pear, apple, and subtle floral complexity. Treixadura, Loureiro, and Caiño Branco add aromatic lift and texture. Reds, though less common, are increasingly valued—Mencía leads with fresh, floral, red-berry character, particularly from Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras.

Wines from Galicia are typically fresh, vibrant, and expressive, often marked by minerality and a sense of place. Whether bright and zesty Albariños or elegant, fragrant Mencías, Galicia’s wines reflect the region’s Atlantic spirit and unique landscape.

Albariño is a high-quality white grape variety originating from Galicia in northwest Spain, particularly the Rías Baixas region, where it thrives in the cool, damp Atlantic climate. It is also widely grown across the border in northern Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho and often forms the backbone of Vinho Verde wines.

Viticulturally, Albariño is a small-berried grape with thick skins, which help resist mildew and rot in humid conditions. It performs best in well-drained granite or sandy soils and typically produces low to moderate yields. The grape ripens early and retains high natural acidity, making it ideal for fresh, vibrant white wines.

Outside of the Iberian Peninsula, Albariño has gained international recognition and is now grown in the U.S. (particularly in California and Oregon), Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay. In these New World regions, winemakers experiment with both unoaked and oaked styles, expanding the grape’s global appeal.

Albariño wines are typically aromatic and zesty, with flavours of peach, apricot, citrus, and green apple, often accompanied by saline or mineral notes. Styles range from crisp, unoaked wines perfect for seafood, to fuller-bodied examples with texture and complexity. Albariño offers freshness, elegance, and strong potential for further global growth.