Rías Baixas - Mists, Myths and Mariscos, Wine Blast podcast S5 E20 with Susie and Peter

What do bagpipes, rain, witches, pilgrimage, lampreys and Albariño all have in common?

Not much really – but they are all featured in this episode on Rías Baixas, the intriguing wine region in north-west Spain famous for its seafood, verdant landscapes and refreshing, brine-tinged white wines.

Historically, this was always a remote region of hardy fishermen and misty hillsides. But since the 1980s a wine revolution has been taking place, majoring on a distinctive style of Albariño we wine drinkers have lapped up, and propelling the official appellation vineyard from a tiny 237 hectares in 1987 to 4,480 hectares today.

In this first instalment of a sponsored two-parter with DO Rías Baixas, we get a feel for the place, its people, history, food and wines.

We explore the region’s famous whites, recommending some as we go, but also explore the lesser known reds and sparkling wines.

Peter has a run-in with a sea urchin and a particularly pungent lamprey stew, and we hear from Stephanie Schilling (Santiago Ruiz), Susana Pérez (Pazo San Mauro), Fernando Oubiña (Mariscos Laureano), Natalia Rodríguez (Señorío de Rubiós), and Lúcia Barbosa (Adegas Galegas).

Wines recommended in this show

Galegas Pazo de Almuíña Veigadares Branco de Brancos 2021, 12.5%
Adegas Valmiñor Davila M-100 2018, 12.5%
Señorío de Rubiós Mencia 2023, 12%
Señorío de Rubiós Espadeiro 2016, 12%
Attis Pedral 2019, Tinto Atlántico, 12%
Attis Caiño Tinto 2018, Tinto Atlántico, 12%
Attis Espadeiro 2018, Tinto Atlántico, 12%
Galegas Danza Espumoso de Albariño Brut