How do you know if you’re becoming a Wine Geek? Here are a few of the tell tale signs: 

1). You worry that you’ve left a bottle of wine in the car with the windows closed

2). You’re really upset that you weren’t born in the year of a great vintage

3). You’re convinced that you’re suffering from compulsive glass swirling syndrome

4). You’ve installed humidity control in your basement

5). You keep separate wine stocks for ‘normal’ and ‘knowledgeable’  dinner guests

6). You don’t consider a red wine great unless you can ‘taste’ the vineyard in the sediment

7). You can recite the names of all the 1st growth Bordeaux wines but can’t remember your own home phone number

8). You can happily consume Champagne at any time of day and for absolutely any reason

How many of these symptoms do you recognise?

How do you know if you’re becoming a wine geek? Here are a few of the tell tale signs: 

1). You worry that you’ve left a bottle of wine in the car with the windows closed

2). You’re really upset that you weren’t born in the year of a great vintage

3). You’re convinced that you’re suffering from compulsive glass swirling syndrome

4). You’ve installed humidity control in your basement

5). You keep separate wine stocks for ‘normal’ and ‘knowledgeable’  dinner guests

6). You don’t consider a red wine great unless you can ‘taste’ the vineyard in the sediment

7). You can recite the names of all the 1st growth Bordeaux wines but can’t remember your own home phone number

8). You can happily consume Champagne at any time of day and for absolutely any reason

How many of these symptoms do you recognise?

With almost the entire world economy in recession it is hardly surprising that even wine sales are reflecting the general trend and have taken a bit of a dive. The cru classé wines of Bordeaux that have traditionally been a ‘safe haven’ for investors have also not been immune to the downturn. As a result of all the turmoil probably one of the most difficult areas of the market is that of the mid-priced wines, including our very own albariño.  At the top end, the expensive, luxury wines will always sell as consumers push the boat out and treat themselves for special occasions. On the other side of the coin, as they try to reduce their outgoings and save a few pounds, dollars or euros, then lower end wines can also feel the benefit of this ‘trading down’. This then leaves the selection of mid-priced wines slightly in limbo, perhaps left on the shelf as unsold.

Now, it could be that I’m really quite an evil person, or maybe it’s just because I am naturally suspicious (living in Spain certainly does not help, especially amidst all the recent tales of political  and financial corruption), but when I read stories of strange wine ‘thefts’ I simply can’t help but wonder. 62,000 bottles of wine, valued at AUD 500,000 recently went missing whilst in transit across New South Wales. The point that makes this story a bit curious is that the transport company who were moving these wines went into administration whilst they were in possession of the stock. Now forgive me for thinking, that strikes me as being a bit bizarre to say the very least.

Then there was a local tale, much nearer to home, here in Galicia. A wine cellar (perhaps overstocked with too much old vintage wine), was apparently broken into, and several tanks of wine were inexplicably emptied down the drain. As far as I know nothing was actually stolen, and there was no clear motive for the break-in. Vandalism? I’m not so sure I have to admit. In the meantime I have no doubt that the respective insurance companies will be studying these uncanny losses quite closely.

With almost the entire world economy in recession it is hardly surprising that even wine sales are reflecting the general trend and have taken a bit of a dive. The cru classé wines of Bordeaux that have traditionally been a ‘safe haven’ for investors have also not been immune to the downturn. As a result of all the turmoil probably one of the most difficult areas of the market is that of the mid-priced wines, including our very own albariño.  At the top end, the expensive, luxury wines will always sell as consumers push the boat out and treat themselves for special occasions. On the other side of the coin, as they try to reduce their outgoings and save a few pounds, dollars or euros, then lower end wines can also feel the benefit of this ‘trading down’. This then leaves the selection of mid-priced wines slightly in limbo, perhaps left on the shelf as unsold.

Now, it could be that I’m really quite an evil person, or maybe it’s just because I am naturally suspicious (living in Spain certainly does not help, especially amidst all the recent tales of political  and financial corruption), but when I read stories of strange wine ‘thefts’ I simply can’t help but wonder. 62,000 bottles of wine, valued at AUD 500,000 recently went missing whilst in transit across New South Wales. The point that makes this story a bit curious is that the transport company who were moving these wines went into administration whilst they were in possession of the stock. Now forgive me for thinking, that strikes me as being a bit bizarre to say the very least.

Then there was a local tale, much nearer to home, here in Galicia. A wine cellar (perhaps overstocked with too much old vintage wine), was apparently broken into, and several tanks of wine were inexplicably emptied down the drain. As far as I know nothing was actually stolen, and there was no clear motive for the break-in. Vandalism? I’m not so sure I have to admit. In the meantime I have no doubt that the respective insurance companies will be studying these uncanny losses quite closely.

 I recently read an article listing the top 50 most influential women in the wine trade. As you might imagine there was an interesting mix of characters, including property owners, journalists, MW’s, winemakers, writers etc.,etc. – a real cross-section of our industry. Perhaps not unsurprisingly at No.1 sits Gina Gallo, chief winemaker of the Gallo empire. Whilst I have never met her, I do know her husband Jean-Charles Boisset rather well. I have visited the Boisset family home on a number of occasions, and indeed it was his father Jean-Claude who sponsored me to become a Chevalier du Tastevin at the world famous Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy. The night of my induction was something that I will never forget, and I should also mention that it was the first official event that Angela and I attended together, even before we were married. Jean-Charles attended the dinner with us.

Meanwhile, back at the list of famous women, I am pleased to say that, despite not knowing Gina Gallo, I have met at least two of the other top five candidates on the list, namely Jancis Robinson and Lalou Bize-Leroy. The latter (formerly the joint head of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti), and now the owner of the world famous Domaine Leroy, is certainly near the very top of my own list of favourite winemakers. In the last few months Angela and I have enjoyed at least two bottles of Domaine Leroy at our favourite restaurant Pepe Vieira. Naturally, these wines are highly sought after, and usually quite difficult to find (especially here in Spain). It was Angela’s first experience of this Domaine’s stunning wines, and I think it’s fair to say that she was quite impressed….

A bit nearer to home we have our own list of famous women. Within the denomination of Rias Baixas several of the best wines are made by women (including our very own I hasten to add). It’s probably at this point in my post that I should admit that there is a vaild argument that women make better wines than men. Without trying to sound sexist for one moment, they do have a very good touch around the cellar, and produce some very fine and elegant wines.

I should close by saying that today’s photo shows my very own famous women – the two Angelas, my wife and our beautiful daughter. The photo was taken at a recent tasting and was the very first time that we have revealed Angela 2.o to the world of wine! The next generation? We shall see…..

I recently read an article listing the top 50 most influential women in the wine trade. As you might imagine there was an interesting mix of characters, including property owners, journalists, MW’s, winemakers, writers etc.,etc. – a real cross-section of our industry. Perhaps not unsurprisingly at No.1 sits Gina Gallo, chief winemaker of the Gallo empire. Whilst I have never met her, I do know her husband Jean-Charles Boisset rather well. I have visited the Boisset family home on a number of occasions, and indeed it was his father Jean-Claude who sponsored me to become a Chevalier du Tastevin at the world famous Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy. The night of my induction was something that I will never forget, and I should also mention that it was the first official event that Angela and I attended together, even before we were married. Jean-Charles attended the dinner with us.

Meanwhile, back at the list of famous women, I am pleased to say that, despite not knowing Gina Gallo, I have met at least two of the other top five candidates on the list, namely Jancis Robinson and Lalou Bize-Leroy. The latter (formerly the joint head of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti), and now the owner of the world famous Domaine Leroy, is certainly near the very top of my own list of favourite winemakers. In the last few months Angela and I have enjoyed at least two bottles of Domaine Leroy at our favourite restaurant Pepe Vieira. Naturally, these wines are highly sought after, and usually quite difficult to find (especially here in Spain). It was Angela’s first experience of this Domaine’s stunning wines, and I think it’s fair to say that she was quite impressed….

A bit nearer to home we have our own list of famous women. Within the denomination of Rias Baixas several of the best wines are made by women (including our very own I hasten to add). It’s probably at this point in my post that I should admit that there is a vaild argument that women make better wines than men. Without trying to sound sexist for one moment, they do have a very good touch around the cellar, and produce some very fine and elegant wines.

I should close by saying that today’s photo shows my very own famous women – the two Angelas, my wife and our beautiful daughter. The photo was taken at a recent tasting and was the very first time that we have revealed Angela 2.o to the world of wine! The next generation? We shall see…..

At the beginning of this month a UK government health minister revealed that in future wine labels might be required to include yet more information, this time relating to calorie content. Wine labels are already crammed with consumer advice, and this is made even more complicated by the fact that each country has its own regulations.

This latest idea suggests that wine consumers are becoming overweight and obese owing to excessive alcohol consumption, although I would have thought that this problem is perhaps more related to beer than it is to wine. Having said that it is perhaps true to say that alcohol can be underestimated when it come to calories, one pint of lager beer for example can contain 250 calories, whilst one single glass of wine might be anything from 140 up to 230 calories (depending on the wine style).

Perhaps I am biased but I still believe that wine is sometimes unfairly blamed for specific health problems. For example, binge drinking is rarely associated with wine, liver disease is more often caused by spirits, and I am still of the opinion that weight problems are probably more related to beer drinking. Of course, wine is not completely blameless, but it does often get dragged into the argument. 

The calorie count in wine comes from the sugar and alcohol, but there is no hard and fast rule as to which type of wine contains the most carbohydrates – it is perfectly possible to find a slightly sweet, low alcohol wine that has less calories than a dry, high alcohol wine. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s not all about sugar, indeed there are more calories in the alcohol itself which is why it is so difficult to provide a standard calculation.

The good news is that besides the carbs and calories, there are also nutrients in wine that come from the skin of the grape itself. Generally speaking red wine contains more minerals and antioxidants than white wine, but any colour of wine, in moderation, is not bad for you!

At the beginning of this month a UK government health minister revealed that in future wine labels might be required to include yet more information, this time relating to calorie content. Wine labels are already crammed with consumer advice, and this is made even more complicated by the fact that each country has its own regulations.

This latest idea suggests that wine consumers are becoming overweight and obese owing to excessive alcohol consumption, although I would have thought that this problem is perhaps more related to beer than it is to wine. Having said that it is perhaps true to say that alcohol can be underestimated when it come to calories, one pint of lager beer for example can contain 250 calories, whilst one single glass of wine might be anything from 140 up to 230 calories (depending on the wine style).

Perhaps I am biased but I still believe that wine is sometimes unfairly blamed for specific health problems. For example, binge drinking is rarely associated with wine, liver disease is more often caused by spirits, and I am still of the opinion that weight problems are probably more related to beer drinking. Of course, wine is not completely blameless, but it does often get dragged into the argument. 

The calorie count in wine comes from the sugar and alcohol, but there is no hard and fast rule as to which type of wine contains the most carbohydrates – it is perfectly possible to find a slightly sweet, low alcohol wine that has less calories than a dry, high alcohol wine. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s not all about sugar, indeed there are more calories in the alcohol itself which is why it is so difficult to provide a standard calculation.

The good news is that besides the carbs and calories, there are also nutrients in wine that come from the skin of the grape itself. Generally speaking red wine contains more minerals and antioxidants than white wine, but any colour of wine, in moderation, is not bad for you!

We have just got back from a short overseas trip – hence the fact that our blog has been silent for the last few days. On our outward flight we again discovered an alcohol-free “wine” on the in-flight menu, but this time the airline actually had it in stock. We ordered a small plastic bottle…. served with a small plastic glass.

Whilst it is actually advertised as wine, technically, as it has no alcohol, it is not actually wine but merely a wine flavoured soft drink. Of course, packing any drink into an 18cl screw top plastic bottle is never going to be the best way of preserving freshness, and this particular beverage only served to confirm that theory. The nose was a combination of oxidised, volatile acetones – hardly making it an attractive proposition for drinking. And the palate? Well, what can I say? Not really much better. To be brutally honest it simply tasted like flavoured water, the type that you might buy in litre bottles in a supermarket, flavoured with peach, or perhaps a hint of summer fruits.

The question must therefore be, why bother? Or at the very least, why advertise it as alcohol-free wine and not just as a flavoured soft drink? Sorry, I just don’t see the point and certainly can’t recommend it.

We have just got back from a short overseas trip – hence the fact that our blog has been silent for the last few days. On our outward flight we again discovered an alcohol-free “wine” on the in-flight menu, but this time the airline actually had it in stock. We ordered a small plastic bottle…. served with a small plastic glass.

Whilst it is actually advertised as wine, technically, as it has no alcohol, it is not actually wine but merely a wine flavoured soft drink. Of course, packing any drink into an 18cl screw top plastic bottle is never going to be the best way of preserving freshness, and this particular beverage only served to confirm that theory. The nose was a combination of oxidised, volatile acetones – hardly making it an attractive proposition for drinking. And the palate? Well, what can I say? Not really much better. To be brutally honest it simply tasted like flavoured water, the type that you might buy in litre bottles in a supermarket, flavoured with peach, or perhaps a hint of summer fruits.

The question must therefore be, why bother? Or at the very least, why advertise it as alcohol-free wine and not just as a flavoured soft drink? Sorry, I just don’t see the point and certainly can’t recommend it.

Now, call me old fashioned, but when I book a table for two I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect a bit of space and relative privacy as we enjoy our meal. These days however, in some restaurants at least, tables can be wedged together, resembling some sort of production line, so close in fact that you can easily share the condiments (and perhaps the conversation) of the table next to you!

For example, in today’s photo, you would be forgiven for thinking that the diners shown are actually eating together, maybe attending a banquet and sharing one long table. Closer examination reveals that they are in fact a series of small tables for two, and that all the diners are eating separately…… well, sort of. I’m afraid to tell you that this is pretty much my idea of hell, and that given the choice, I would actively give such restaurants a miss. I really hate it where there is so little space that you have to re-arrange the table to accommodate your main course plate, or that there is so much noise that you can’t hold a private conversation.

If my memory serves me one of the earliest examples of this style of ‘cosy eating’ was (and perhaps still is), Quaglino’s in London. Created in the early 90’s by Sir Terence Conran, I can clearly remember that the place caused quite a stir, not simply because of it’s overall size, but also because of the close proximity of it’s smaller dining tables – diners were virtually rubbing elbows with their neighbours sitting at adjacent tables.

I remember once going to a small, intimate restaurant in London – our first experience was fantastic. On our second visit they located us on a tiny table at the top of a stair case – a table so small that our cutlery was practically falling off the edges. There was never a third visit!

Now, call me old fashioned, but when I book a table for two I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect a bit of space and relative privacy as we enjoy our meal. These days however, in some restaurants at least, tables can be wedged together, resembling some sort of production line, so close in fact that you can easily share the condiments (and perhaps the conversation) of the table next to you!

For example, in today’s photo, you would be forgiven for thinking that the diners shown are actually eating together, maybe attending a banquet and sharing one long table. Closer examination reveals that they are in fact a series of small tables for two, and that all the diners are eating separately…… well, sort of. I’m afraid to tell you that this is pretty much my idea of hell, and that given the choice, I would actively give such restaurants a miss. I really hate it where there is so little space that you have to re-arrange the table to accommodate your main course plate, or that there is so much noise that you can’t hold a private conversation.

If my memory serves me one of the earliest examples of this style of ‘cosy eating’ was (and perhaps still is), Quaglino’s in London. Created in the early 90’s by Sir Terence Conran, I can clearly remember that the place caused quite a stir, not simply because of it’s overall size, but also because of the close proximity of it’s smaller dining tables – diners were virtually rubbing elbows with their neighbours sitting at adjacent tables.

I remember once going to a small, intimate restaurant in London – our first experience was fantastic. On our second visit they located us on a tiny table at the top of a stair case – a table so small that our cutlery was practically falling off the edges. There was never a third visit!

The skies outside our Bodega are leaden with rain, the temperature hovering between 8 and 12°C (45-55°F), with hardly any variation between day and night. The damp, cold weather penetrates through to the bone – the worst possible weather to be out in the vineyards pruning. At this time of year there is not a lot of activity in the bodega itself, apart from  in the office where Luisa is busy with our year-end accounts! The only other development worthy of note is the continued maturation of the 2012 wines as they sit quietly on their lees, waiting to be racked in the spring. (We do, of course, have to make regular tastings to ensure that all is well, and that no ‘off flavours’ are developing).

All the ‘action’ is really outdoors, the unenviable job of pruning our 11 hectares. I say unenviable simply because the weather is so awful at the moment – perhaps the typical Galician winter, but pretty grim nonetheless. There has been a lot of rain so far this winter, and the ground is completely sodden, some vineyards (not ours) are actually under water as there is simply nowhere for the water to escape. There have been very few sunny days, in fact, it has been quite rare to see the sun at all and so there is really nothing to warm things up.

I suppose we shouldn’t complain as, yet again, we witness forest fires raging in Australia, and other parts of Europe that have stumbled to a halt under a blanket of snow. Roll on the Spring…. please!

The skies outside our Bodega are leaden with rain, the temperature hovering between 8 and 12°C (45-55°F), with hardly any variation between day and night. The damp, cold weather penetrates through to the bone – the worst possible weather to be out in the vineyards pruning. At this time of year there is not a lot of activity in the bodega itself, apart from  in the office where Luisa is busy with our year-end accounts! The only other development worthy of note is the continued maturation of the 2012 wines as they sit quietly on their lees, waiting to be racked in the spring. (We do, of course, have to make regular tastings to ensure that all is well, and that no ‘off flavours’ are developing).

All the ‘action’ is really outdoors, the unenviable job of pruning our 11 hectares. I say unenviable simply because the weather is so awful at the moment – perhaps the typical Galician winter, but pretty grim nonetheless. There has been a lot of rain so far this winter, and the ground is completely sodden, some vineyards (not ours) are actually under water as there is simply nowhere for the water to escape. There have been very few sunny days, in fact, it has been quite rare to see the sun at all and so there is really nothing to warm things up.

I suppose we shouldn’t complain as, yet again, we witness forest fires raging in Australia, and other parts of Europe that have stumbled to a halt under a blanket of snow. Roll on the Spring…. please!

Every few months we used to receive an attractive, professionally presented food and wine magazine called Spain Gourmetour. It was produced and distributed free of charge by ICEX, the Spanish Government trade office. The printing of this magazine has now “been suppressed” – no reason was given, but I have absolutely no doubt that it is down to budget cuts. Gourmetour and its accompanying website have now been replaced by a new website called Foods from Spain.

As the name implies this new site is all about the foods (and wine) from the different provinces of Spain, and includes information and recipes from around the country. As you might expect the recipes include wine pairing suggestions, albeit that the real detail of Spanish wine is covered on their sister website…. Wines from Spain (they must have spent hours deliberating over that name!) Believe me, there’s a lot of really useful information to be gleaned from both the food and wine sites, and I would recommend that you add them to your list of favourite tourism web pages too.

For example, if your looking for somewhere to eat there is a page listing some of Spain’s best Chefs, and consequently, their restaurants. It comes as no surprise that my own personal favourite here in Galicia is included on the list. Pepe Vieira, with its fabulous Chef/Proprietor Xosé Cannas. Don’t forget to pay them a visit when you’re next in the area, and tell them that I sent you! Their restaurant is a bit off the beaten track, hidden in the hills above Raxo (mid way between Pontevedra and Sanxenxo), but I can assure you, it’s well worth the detour.

Every few months we used to receive an attractive, professionally presented food and wine magazine called Spain Gourmetour. It was produced and distributed free of charge by ICEX, the Spanish Government trade office. The printing of this magazine has now “been suppressed” – no reason was given, but I have absolutely no doubt that it is down to budget cuts. Gourmetour and its accompanying website have now been replaced by a new website called Foods from Spain.

As the name implies this new site is all about the foods (and wine) from the different provinces of Spain, and includes information and recipes from around the country. As you might expect the recipes include wine pairing suggestions, albeit that the real detail of Spanish wine is covered on their sister website…. Wines from Spain (they must have spent hours deliberating over that name!) Believe me, there’s a lot of really useful information to be gleaned from both the food and wine sites, and I would recommend that you add them to your list of favourite tourism web pages too.

For example, if your looking for somewhere to eat there is a page listing some of Spain’s best Chefs, and consequently, their restaurants. It comes as no surprise that my own personal favourite here in Galicia is included on the list. Pepe Vieira, with its fabulous Chef/Proprietor Xosé Cannas. Don’t forget to pay them a visit when you’re next in the area, and tell them that I sent you! Their restaurant is a bit off the beaten track, hidden in the hills above Raxo (mid way between Pontevedra and Sanxenxo), but I can assure you, it’s well worth the detour.

If you’ve ever visited Galicia, or any part of Spain for that matter, the chances are that you might have stayed in a Parador Hotel. What you might already know is that the group consists of more than 90 converted castles, monasteries and palaces dotted around the country – many are quite breathtaking, imposing buildings. The thing that you might not have realised is that the Parador group is owned and run by the Spanish Government, it’s entire workforce therefore being public sector workers.

I remember when I first arrived in Spain 10 or 11 years ago that the Parador hotels were not only very good, but more importantly they were very reasonably priced, and represented fantastic value for money. Since then however, prices have gradually increased, and by Spanish standards they now fall more into the luxury hotel price bracket. This factor, combined with Spain’s current economic woes, have conspired to bring the group to it’s knees, losing €72 million (USD 95.5 million) in 2011, with occupancy falling from 70% in 2011 to 52% in 2012 – losses for 2012 are expected to increase €107m (USD 142 million). The truth is that Paradores have not actually made any profit for years.

Government proposals to close several hotels inevitably resulted in strike action, meaning that many hotels were only able to offer reduced services to their guests (perhaps not the best way to endear themselves to loyal customers). As a result the Government eventually backed down, and will now only close one hotel. They will however, close around 30 hotels during the low season, shedding a few hundred jobs along the way, and also close at least 15 restaurants on a permanent basis. I should add that my own experience of Parador restaurants has been very mixed, ranging from some very good meals with excellent service, to some very poor food with indifferent service. Food was never really one of their fortes. 

Apparently the Paradores, set up in 1926, were “not created purely to make money, but to showcase culturally rich, lesser visited parts of Spain”. It’s a real shame to say that they appear to have succeeded in at least one of their goals.

If you’ve ever visited Galicia, or any part of Spain for that matter, the chances are that you might have stayed in a Parador Hotel. What you might already know is that the group consists of more than 90 converted castles, monasteries and palaces dotted around the country – many are quite breathtaking, imposing buildings. The thing that you might not have realised is that the Parador group is owned and run by the Spanish Government, it’s entire workforce therefore being public sector workers.

I remember when I first arrived in Spain 10 or 11 years ago that the Parador hotels were not only very good, but more importantly they were very reasonably priced, and represented fantastic value for money. Since then however, prices have gradually increased, and by Spanish standards they now fall more into the luxury hotel price bracket. This factor, combined with Spain’s current economic woes, have conspired to bring the group to it’s knees, losing €72 million (USD 95.5 million) in 2011, with occupancy falling from 70% in 2011 to 52% in 2012 – losses for 2012 are expected to increase €107m (USD 142 million). The truth is that Paradores have not actually made any profit for years.

Government proposals to close several hotels inevitably resulted in strike action, meaning that many hotels were only able to offer reduced services to their guests (perhaps not the best way to endear themselves to loyal customers). As a result the Government eventually backed down, and will now only close one hotel. They will however, close around 30 hotels during the low season, shedding a few hundred jobs along the way, and also close at least 15 restaurants on a permanent basis. I should add that my own experience of Parador restaurants has been very mixed, ranging from some very good meals with excellent service, to some very poor food with indifferent service. Food was never really one of their fortes.

Apparently the Paradores, set up in 1926, were “not created purely to make money, but to showcase culturally rich, lesser visited parts of Spain”. It’s a real shame to say that they appear to have succeeded in at least one of their goals.

I was walking around our local town the other day, when I was pleased to note that the windows of many shops had posters encouraging shoppers to drink more wine….. REBAIXAS, they exclaimed loudly!

Of course, I regret to say that this isn’t really an invitation for consumers to re-visit their favourite wine, but is simply the Galician word for SALE! Still, it’s a nice idea. The Spanish speakers amongst you will note that the word ‘Sale’ in Castellano is ‘Rebajas’, and that the word ‘Rebaixas’ is simply the local word with exactly the same meaning. 

Rias Baixas, as we all know, is translated as the lower rivers, or lower estuaries to be more accurate, and so we can clearly see the connection……. Baixas means lower – hence the lower or reduced prices!

And here endeth today’s lesson.

I was walking around our local town the other day, when I was pleased to note that the windows of many shops had posters encouraging shoppers to drink more wine….. REBAIXAS, they exclaimed loudly!

Of course, I regret to say that this isn’t really an invitation for consumers to re-visit their favourite wine, but is simply the Galician word for SALE! Still, it’s a nice idea. The Spanish speakers amongst you will note that the word ‘Sale’ in Castellano is ‘Rebajas’, and that the word ‘Rebaixas’ is simply the local word with exactly the same meaning. 

Rias Baixas, as we all know, is translated as the lower rivers, or lower estuaries to be more accurate, and so we can clearly see the connection……. Baixas means lower – hence the lower or reduced prices!

And here endeth today’s lesson.