Summary:

Steep slopes and vertigo-inducing vineyards make Ribeira Sacra one of Spain's most stunning wine regions. With terraced vineyards that rival the Mosel or Douro, the region is known for its floral, austere expressions of Mencía. We'll take a deep dive into Ribeira Sacra's history and culture, and learn about why this region is producing some of the most exciting wines in Spain today. Following the presentation, a question & answer session will take place, allowing participants to engage with Noah in real-time as he answers their questions.

About the Speaker:

Noah Chichester is a wine writer, educator and founder of winesofgalicia.com—the only English-language website dedicated to the study of Galician wine. He created The Wines of Galicia after spending four years living in Spain and immersing himself in Galician wine and culture. In addition to The Wines of Galicia, he has written for SevenFifty Daily, GuildSomm, and Fodor's. He lives in New York City and works in the wine distribution business. Outside of teaching and writing about wine, you can probably find him at home in the kitchen, making dinner for friends and sharing stories of adventures in the Spanish countryside.

Timestamps:

Introduction (00:00) 

Justin introduces Noah Chichester, a wine writer, educator, and Californian wine specialist, for the session on Ribeira Sacra. 

Ribeira Sacra: Spain's Most Heroic Wine Region (00:01) 

Noah explains the unique characteristics of Ribeira Sacra, known for heroic viticulture, and its location in Galicia, Spain. 

Galicia: Green Spain and Wine Regions (00:02) 

Noah discusses Galicia's climate, its wine regions, and the influence of the Atlantic on winemaking. 

Ribeira Sacra: Grapes and Origin (00:05) 

Details about the red and white grape varieties, the origin of Ribeira Sacra, and its significance. 

The Legend of Ribeira Sacra (00:06) 

Noah delves into the legend of the "sacred riverbank" and its disputed origins, linking to the history of the region. 

Geography and Climate of Ribeira Sacra (00:08) 

Noah explains the topography, rivers, subzones, and the continental Mediterranean climate of Ribeira Sacra.  

Soil Types and Terracing (00:11) 

Discussion on the soil types, terracing, and the impact on wine production in Ribeira Sacra. 

Terraces and Farming in Ribeira Sacra (00:13) 

Insight into the unique farming practices, terraced vineyards, and the challenges faced by farmers in Ribeira Sacra. 

History of Winemaking in Ribeira Sacra (00:15) 

Noah covers the Roman, Cistercian, and post-phylloxera periods, and the impact on winemaking in Ribeira Sacra. 

Revival of Ribeira Sacra (00:18) 

The revival of Ribeira Sacra in the late 20th century, post-dictatorship, and the efforts to revitalize the region. 

The history of Ribeira Sacra (00:19) 

Noah Chichester discusses the history of Ribeira Sacra, including the status of vino doctora and the birth of Ribeira Sacra as a doe in 1996. 

Monasteries and terraces (00:20) 

Noah talks about the monasteries and terraces in Ribeira Sacra, showcasing their historical significance and the impact of damming the rivers. 

Impact of damming the rivers and UNESCO site status (00:22) 

The impact of damming the rivers on the region, and the controversy surrounding the UNESCO site status due to the presence of large concrete dams. 

Terrace construction and vineyard management (00:24) 

Noah explains the construction of terraces and vineyard management techniques, including pruning methods and the use of trellis systems. 

Grape production and winemaking in Ribeira Sacra (00:26) 

Discussion on grape production, wineries, and the dominance of the Mencia grape in Ribeira Sacra's wine production.  

Sub-zones of Ribeira Sacra (00:27) 

An overview of the sub-zones of Ribeira Sacra, including Amundi, Chantada, Quiroga, Debaixo Mino, and Cima de Sal. 

Diversity of wineries and microclimates (00:29) 

Details about various wineries and the diversity of microclimates in different sub-zones of Ribeira Sacra. 

Galicia's popularity and winemaking trends (00:36) 

Insights into the popularity of Galicia, the investment trends in winemaking, and the unique characteristics of winemaking in Ribeira Sacra. 

Oak Fermentation and Aging (00:38) 

Discussion of red and white wine styles, including oak fermentation and aging, and the experimentation with different techniques. 

Comparison of Mencia to Cool Climate Syrah (00:39) 

Comparison of Mencia to cool climate Syrah, and the experimentation with Mencia in Oregon and Washington. 

Challenges and Solutions for Ribeira Sacra Wine Region (00:42) 

Discussion of the post-pandemic surplus of red wine, aging growers, high production costs, and proposed solutions for the future of the region. 

Adapting to Market Trends and Economic Challenges (00:43) 

Consideration of adapting to the white wine trend, increasing wine prices, government subsidies, and the Champagne model for the region. 

Grape Varieties and Wine Promotion (00:45) 

Discussion of grape varieties, challenges faced by small producers, and the need for a more inclusive wine promotion approach. 

Vineyard Labor and Grape Varieties (00:48) 

Insights into the workforce for tending vines and harvesting, and the historical distribution of grape varieties in the region. 

Wine Production and Distribution (00:56) 

Insights into the consumption and distribution of wines within Galicia, in Spain, and potential export markets. 

Introduction and Thank You (00:57) 

Justin expresses gratitude to Noah for his presentation on Ribeira Sacra and invites viewers to the next week's session. 

Closing Remarks (00:58) 

Justin concludes the webinar and bids farewell to the viewers.