Valdeorras is one of Spain’s most beautiful wine regions, lying in the Eastern part of Galicia, along the Sil River and its tributaries.
Valdeorras is one of Spain’s most beautiful wine regions, lying in the Eastern part of Galicia, along the Sil River and its tributaries. The region’s name comes from its location: it lies close to Orense, Galicia’s third-largest city. It is also right next to Portugal.
The history of wine production in Valdeorras began around two thousand years ago and continued through the Middle Ages, when viticulture was popularized by monks and monasteries. Since then it has gone through boom periods and near-extinction with alternating success. During the seventeenth century Valdeorras wines became so renowned that they were exported to America.
Its proximity to Portugal makes the region a melting-pot of Galician and Portuguese culture, with the local dialect using words from both languages.
Wine lovers and adventurous travellers will find the quiet, unassuming region of Valdeorras an excellent stop on their wine tour of Spain. Though tucked away in Galicia between the Cantabrian Mountains and Portugal, it’s not hard to get to. If you’re driving, it’s one-and-a-half hours from Orense, two hours from Santiago de Compostela, three hours from Vigo and five hours from Madrid. Alternatively, take the train to Orense or a bus to A Paradela or Vilamartín de Valdeorras (if you choose the latter option, check timetables beforehand as buses are infrequent).
Its proximity to Portugal makes the region a melting-pot of Galician and Portuguese culture, with the local dialect using words from both languages. But its long history predates any influence from outside forces: archaeological evidence shows that wine has been produced there for over 2,000 years. In fact, John Paul II declared it one of Spain’s holy wine regions in 2001 for its historical importance dating back to Roman times.
The mountainous nature of the region makes it challenging to work in and only now are young winemakers starting to explore the area’s potential with local grape varieties such as Mencia.
Proximity to Portugal and the presence of international varieties such as Chardonnay and Syrah, alongside local grapes like Mencia, means Valdeorras has a unique cultural mix. The mountainous nature of the region makes it challenging to work in, but young winemakers are now starting to explore Valdeorras’ potential.
Although indigenous grapes like Mencia, Godello and Doña Blanca are gaining a lot of attention, Albariño from Rias Baixas, foreign varieties like Chardonnay or Syrah are also being planted in Valdeorras.
Albariño, a popular grape variety in Rias Baixas, is being planted in Valdeorras and experts think that this grape possesses intrinsic attributes that are ideal for the region. There are now some Albariños from Valdeorras on the market, although the majority of Albariños produced here are blended with Loureira and Treixadura to produce white wines for local consumption.
Chardonnay and Syrah varieties which have been established in Spain for years now, especially along the Mediterranean coast, have also been planted in Valdeorras. These varieties ripen easily in this warm climate and can be harvested at optimum ripeness.
Valdeorras is one of the most beautiful wine regions in Galicia (Spain).
Valdeorras is one of the most beautiful wine regions in Galicia. Its vineyards are located in the Eastern part of Galicia, along the Sil River and its tributaries, Oírbigo and Boeza. They’re planted on steep slopes that make mechanization difficult, which also explains why many vineyards are not very big. A few wineries are investing in modern equipment to make their lives easier, but many still rely on horses to do some tasks. Valdeorras is a mountainous region with long winters and hot summers; it’s challenging to work there, but it produces excellent grapes.
Valdeorras was the first Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) created for white wines only (in 1945). It was later extended to include rosés and reds as well, although 70% of its wines are still white: mostly Godello complemented by other native grape varieties such as Mencía and Doña Blanca and international grapes like Chardonnay.
The region has a growing number of young winemakers who explore a wide range of styles using both native and international varieties; they are bringing an exciting new wave to Valdeorras’ tradition-rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages.