Atlantic Freshness: All About Albariño

Galicia receives up to 1,600 mm of rainfall per year, creating an extreme risk of fungal vine diseases. To protect the harvest, winemakers in Rías Baixas traditionally use the parra (pergola) training system. The vines are raised on stone or concrete pillars up to two meters above the ground, forming a green canopy.

This arrangement of the clusters ensures maximum air circulation under the leaf canopy. Ocean winds quickly dry the grapes after frequent rains. Furthermore, the pergola system allows efficient use of the space beneath the vines for other agricultural needs, which was historically crucial for small Galician estates.

Elevating the clusters also keeps them away from the cold, damp ground, ensuring more even ripening under the gentle sun. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand, as mechanical harvesting is impossible with this system. This guarantees gentle handling of the grapes and high-quality must.