Posted by Rowena Dumlao

Viña Costeira: A Sip of Ribeiro, the Oldest Denomination of Galicia

Viña Costeira wines embody the lively spirit of Galicia, deeply rooted in the historic Ribeiro Denomination of Origin (DO), one of Europe’s oldest wine regions. This land isn’t about uniformity, it’s a colorful mosaic of vineyards, each variety bringing its own distinct character. That’s the magic of Ribeiro.

Since 1968, Viña Costeira has been at the forefront of preserving and celebrating native grape varieties. With 450 partners tending to 300 hectares across D.O. Ribeiro and D.O. Valdeorras, this winery is a true steward of the land. Their three distinct wineries each tell a unique story. Finca SAA, perched over the Miño valley, is a boutique winery producing exquisite wines. Finca Adega Vella, a single vineyard on the Avia River, is known for its outstanding Treixadura. And then there’s the charming Finca Pazo de Toubes, a hidden gem that offers not just wine but a full sensory experience.


Finca Pazo de Toubes

Tucked in the Riobó area of Cenlle, Finca Pazo de Toubes is a place where history and winemaking come together in the most beautiful way. Dating back to 1742, this 18th-century estate has been lovingly restored by Viña Costeira, preserving its old-world charm while breathing new life into its vineyards. The terraces, built with local granite, maximize sun exposure, allowing the grapes to flourish. Sitting between 200 and 400 meters in altitude with steep 48% inclines, the vineyard enjoys a range of microclimates, shaping the unique identity of its wines.

Finca Pazo de Toubes

Spanning just nine hectares, this intimate winery focuses on artisanal, small-batch production using native Galician grapes. The loamy, sandy granite soil naturally limits yield, ensuring that quality takes precedence over quantity. Treixadura, Albariño, and Loureira are the stars here, forming the backbone of Modus Vivendi and the Toubes Family of Estate Wines. The rugged terrain and unique climate add depth and authenticity to every bottle, making them an essential taste of Ribeiro.

Finca Pazo de Toubes tasting room

Signature Wines of Viña Costeira

Viña Costeira’s finest wines showcase the distinct character of Ribeiro’s terroir. Lua Jazz Brut, Galicia’s first sparkling wine and the only single-varietal Treixadura in the world, undergoes traditional bottle fermentation and 18 months of aging, delivering refined bubbles and elegant complexity. Modus Vivendi, a blend of Treixadura, Albariño, and Loureira, offers stone fruit aromas and citrus notes with a delicate balsamic undertone. Tamborá Godello, hailed as the best Godello in Spain, is vibrant and balanced, featuring white fruit, floral hints, and subtle botanical nuances.

Viña Costeira wines

Meu Albariño, grown in sandy, silty, and gravelly soils over granite subsoil, is hand-harvested and aged on lees for three months, resulting in an aromatic, mineral-driven wine with refreshing acidity. Toubes, the flagship of Pazo de Toubes, is crafted from Treixadura, Loureira, and Albariño, partially fermented in oak barrels and aged on fine lees, lending it complexity with layers of stone fruit, pastry, and a delicate mineral background.

 

D.O. Ribeiro: Oldest Denomination in Galicia

As the oldest Denomination of Origin in Galicia, Ribeiro is a region with stories woven into every vineyard row. Its winemaking history dates back to Roman times, but it was the Cistercian monks in the 12th century who revived its vineyards, recognizing the land’s incredible potential. By the 11th century, aristocrats and landowners were snapping up vineyard plots, fueling Ribeiro’s reputation as one of Europe’s finest wine regions. Ribeiro wines soon found their way onto merchant ships, reaching Northern Europe and even the New World with Columbus and his crew.


Finca Pazo de Toubes vineyards

The town of Ribadavia became the epicenter of Ribeiro’s success, implementing early ordinances to protect wine quality, long before modern geographical indication laws. By 1133, Ribeiro wines were the most expensive in Santiago de Compostela’s markets, a testament to their prestige.

Today, Ribeiro covers 3,000 hectares in Ourense, where the Miño, Avia, and Arnoia rivers converge. The region is blessed with a Mediterranean climate softened by Atlantic breezes, creating the perfect conditions for balanced grape growth. Its decomposed granite soil, known as sabrego, enhances drainage and lends a signature minerality to the wines. White wines reign supreme here, making up 93% of production, with Treixadura leading the way. Often blended with Albariño, Godello, and Loureira, these wines are crisp, aromatic, and built to age gracefully. The remaining 7% is dedicated to reds, crafted from Mencía, Sousón, Brancellao, and Caíño Tinto, grapes that produce structured, fruit-forward wines with refined acidity.

One of Ribeiro’s most prized treasures is Tostado wine, a rare, naturally sweet wine made from carefully selected sun-dried grapes. This labor-intensive process results in an indulgent sip bursting with flavors of dried fruits, honey, and candied citrus. With only a few certified producers and a tiny annual production, Tostado remains one of Ribeiro’s best-kept secrets. With its rich past and bright future, Ribeiro continues to enchant wine lovers with its dynamic terroir, deep-rooted traditions, and unwavering commitment to quality. Whether exploring the history-laden vineyards of Finca Pazo de Toubes or savoring a glass of crisp Treixadura, Viña Costeira invites you to taste the soul of Galicia, one bottle at a time.

Tostado de Costeira

Viña Costeira

Address: Valdepereira S/N, 32415 Ribadavia, Ourense, Spain
Tel: +34 988 477210
Website: https://costeira.wine/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vinacosteira

 

Popular Posts