MEET THE WOMEN OF D.O. RÍAS BAIXAS
More than 50% of the Winemakers in D.O. Rías Baixas are Women – and Sales are up 32%! D.O. Rías Baixas Celebrates Generations of Women in Wine The Rías Baixas region in northwestern region of Spain has a rich history of female leadership in every aspect of viticulture and winemaking. Historically, the men of this maritime corner of Galicia were often at sea for months at a time leaving the women in charge. Today, more than 50% of Rías Baixas’ owners and winemakers are women, a statistic that ranks high among all world wine regions. From a business standpoint the women of the region have much to celebrate. U.S. sales of Rías Baixas wines increased 32% by value in 2021, a record year. Interested in learning more? This Spring, we’re profiling four of the amazing women behind the wines of Rías Baixas and offering a taste of their signature Albariño wines, truly a legacy to be proud of.
Meet the Women of Rías Baixas and Request Samples!
For more information, please reach out to Javier Serrano with Rías Baixas USA
Pazo de Señoráns: Owner Marisol Bueno, Winemaker Ana Quintela Suárez Owner Marisol Bueno of Pazo de Señoráns was one of the pioneers of D.O. Rías Baixas, serving as the first regional President for 21 years (1986-2007). Her family has developed the 16th Century Pazo de Señoráns estate in Salnés into one of Spain’s most progressive wineries, focused entirely on the typicity of the Albariño grape. Winemaker Ana Quintela Suárez joined Pazo de Señoráns in 1991 and is known for her experimental sur lies techniques across a range of crisp, young styles to more age worthy Albariño. Marisol’s daughter Vicky Mareque is continuing the family tradition, managing the estate’s 54 acres of vines as well as 300 small plots farmed by 110 local families. Sample now: Pazo de Señoráns Albariño 2020 (100% Albariño: $25.00)
Martín Códax: Winemaker Katia Álvarez Winemaker Katia Álvarez has been at the helm of Martín Códax since 2005. Founded in 1986, Bodegas Martín Códax is named for a medieval Galician troubadour whose timeless poetry speaks of the Atlantic Sea and beautiful coastline of Rías Baixas. Katia aims for the same inspiration in her wines. In partnership with 300 grower-members of Martín Códax, Katia works with Albariño from multiple sub-regions of the region, allowing her to fully explore the complexity of the variety. In her words: “It’s a grape you have to handle with care for it to achieve its highest expression, but it’s one of the most versatile grapes I know.” Katia never tires of showcasing the complexity and elegant flavor profile of Albariño, a lifelong mission that has made Martín Códax a benchmark of the region in over 40 countries. Sample now: Martín Códax Albariño 2020 (100% Albariño: $15.99)
Palacio de Fefiñanes: Winemaker Cristina Mantilla Palacio de Fefiñanes has been associated with winemaking in Cambados since the 17th century, and most recently, has benefitted from winemaker Cristina Mantilla’s 30+ years of experience in Rías Baixas. For Cristina, quality Albariño always starts in the vineyard. Currently owned by Juan Gil Careaga, the Palacio de Fefiñanes label dates from 1928 and depicts an engraving of the Fefiñanes Palace. Cristina seeks to preserve the authenticity and tradition of this historic estate and vineyards, while showcasing intense aromatics and a distinctly Atlantic character that makes Fefiñanes a classic choice. Sample now: Palacio de Fefiñanes Albariño 2019 (100% Albariño: $24.99)
Bodegas Castro Martín: Winemaker/Owner Angela Martin Serantes Bodegas Castro Martín is a family-owned business dedicated to the highest quality Albariño. The current winery was built in 1981 by owner Domingo Martín-Morales and is now managed by daughter Angela Martín. There are many “firsts” at Castro Martín, including the first winery to install stainless steel tanks (now deemed key to preserve freshness and flavor in Albariño), as well as some of the earliest efforts to maximize gravity flow in the cellar. Winemaker/Owner Angela Martín holds dual degrees in biology and enology from Madrid University and has been responsible for day-to-day management and winemaking since 1992. She also serves on the board of D.O. Rías Baixas, responsible for regional quality controls. In 2000, Angela won the prestigious Acio de Ouro for making the best Albariño in the region, a recognition awarded by other winemakers from the denomination. Sample now: Castro Martín A20 Albariño “Sobre Lías” (100% Albariño: $49.99)