Nestled on the Atlantic coast of Galicia, Spain, lies the Ruiz family estate - a testament to the generations of winemaking expertise that has been passed down through the family. The legacy began with Ángel Ruiz, who pioneered the bottling of wines from the now renowned Rías Baixas region in the 1860s. Fast forward to 1981, and his grandson Santiago Ruiz became the first to market the estate's wines, with his first batch of Vino de El Rosal gracing the tables of a Vigo restaurant.
Today, the reins of the estate have been passed down to Santiago's daughter, Rosa, who, with the help of renowned winemaker Luisa Freire, continues to produce exceptional wines that embody the unique terroir of Galicia. The core vineyards, located in O Rosal - the southernmost subzone of Rías Baixas, benefit from ample sunlight, cool Atlantic breezes, and mineral-rich sandy soils over granite bedrock. These natural conditions give rise to a style of wine that is both ripe and mineral-driven, with a crisp energy and vibrant character.
Ángel Ruiz was affectionately known as the "Father of Albariño" for his significant contribution to the establishment of the Rías Baixas DO in the late 1980s. The estate's vineyards are planted with a blend of Albariño, Loureiro, Caíño Blanco, Treixadura, and Godello - all trained in the traditional en parra canopy fashion. The controlled yields and organic farming practices result in grapes of exceptional quality, which are hand-harvested and vinified separately in small stainless steel tanks using natural yeasts.
One unique aspect of the estate is the small parcel of old-vine Albariño, located 10 kilometers away from the main vineyards. These gnarled vines, trained on granite posts, produce low yields of concentrated fruit used exclusively for the estate's monovarietal wine, Rosa - a true expression of Albariño and the Rías Baixas DO.
Sustainability is at the heart of the estate's practices, with a focus on organic farming, cover crops, and a ban on pesticides and herbicides. Santiago Ruiz was also a pioneer in the region for introducing stainless steel to the winemaking process, with all varieties undergoing lees aging in small tanks, allowing for concentrated flavors and aromas.
In conclusion, the Ruiz family's winemaking legacy is a testament to their deep roots in the Rías Baixas region. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation continues to produce exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of Galicia.
