Walking along the winding coastal road where Galicia, Spain, meets the Atlantic Ocean, one’s senses are enlivened by the seemingly infinite horizon and raw energy of wild waves crashing against the cliffs below. The scenic landscape is beyond beautiful, visually reminiscent of Big Sur, California, yet far more impressive regarding wine, food and history.
The enjoyment of sipping a glass of Galician chilled white is enlivened by the knowledge that Romans produced wine here as early as the 2nd century. Indeed, this is a region permeated with historical treasures, a place where you can travel through time and touch upon the stones of Neolithic dolmens, marvel at the world's oldest working lighthouse built by Romans, and experience the legendary Santiago de Compostela. Remarkably the fame of the cathedral is not based on the awe-inspiring architecture started in the 10th century, but rather on the buried bones of St. James, whose remains, remain a key element in popularizing a pilgrimage by designed by kings, crusaders and clergy who sought to spread Christianity across Europe.
Having walked the 490 mile route made popular by books such as The Camino de Santiago, The Pilgrimage and film The Way, I will say that most memorable part of my journey, beyond sore feet, was the joy of connecting with people from around the globe and sharing in the discovery of regional food and wine.
Galicia is most certainly a land of delicious delight, boasting five different Michelin Guide restaurants and multiple vineyards to tour along the picturesque coastline. Lagar de Costa a favorite family producer, specializing in white wines made with the Alvarinho grape; perfect for lovers of oysters, octopus and clams. In many ways Alvarino resembles a dry Sauvignon Blanc, but with zesty citrus aromatics and notes of slight salinity, as the vines are grown near the ocean in permeable sand and granite soil. Fresh and acidic, without too much alcohol, this wine provides a balanced structure that perfectly pairs with seafood throughout the seasons, as well as sushi.
What most people do not know about the winemaker of Lagar de Costa, is that Sónia Costa is a modern day crusader. That’s right, in a land where white wine dominates, she has dared to reintroduce an indigenous Iberian red grape varietal known as Espadeiro. The act of regrowing ancient varieties reminiscent of Virginia born, celebrity chef Sean Brock, who replanted Native American corn in Southern Carolina so as to keep the original flavors of cornbread alive. For Sónia, the inspiration to reintroduce this red grape variety to Galicia originates from deeper roots, as it was her grandfather who suggested she, “Make wine like the elders.” Which is why her family vineyards now produces a red wine called, “Viva la Vid-a,” a message on a bottle made for all of us: Live Life.
Buy a taste of Galicia here.
Written by wine lover and world traveler: Séanna Marie
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Lagar de Costa "Rego do Sol" 2018, Rías Baixas, Galiza | Spain
The tart lime and grapefruit, chalky mineral, and floral aromatics undeniably convey the essence of a coastal wine. Incisive flavors of citrus peel and orchard fruit open up to ripe melon and peach. Classic saline flavors become the focus on the finish as the fruit fades.
This wine is definitely friendly with anything from the sea. It is exceptionally good with white fish and meats as well as leafy green herbs. Try it with ceviche, seafood risotto, oysters, mussels, clams, soft cheeses and salsa verde.
Grape Varieties: 100% Albariño
Lagar de Costa ‘Viva la Vid-A’ Espadeiro 2017 | Rias Baixas, Spain
This wine is ruby in color with aromas of red fruits, forest floor, licorice and coffee. It is light bodied and bright with acidity. The prominent fruit and herbaceous notes are rounded out with nicely integrated tannins.
We love this wine with richly spiced foods and lighter meats - think Puebla style chicken in mole sauce.
Grape Varieties: 100% Espadeiro
Rías Baixas, Val do Salnés, Galicia, Spain
One of their first vintages of Albariño The color has concentrated into a deep golden hue over the last decade, indicative of the rich ripe stone fruit the wine emulates. A lush combination of apricots and peaches, highlighted perfectly by minerality and gorgeous salinity, which lifts the fruit flavors. Enough acidity is still present, making this wine beautifully balanced and fresh on the palate.
This wine is definitely friendly with anything from the sea. It is exceptionally good with white fish and meats as well as leafy green herbs. Try it with ceviche, seafood risotto, oysters, mussels, clams, soft cheeses and salsa verde.
Grape Varieties: 100% Albariño