Rías Baixas is a charming little region located in Galicia, northwestern Spain. This region produces the fresh, crisp ultimate white wine made with the Albrariño grape. Wine Spectator says, “Albariño delivers fresh wines with an appealing balance of fruity and mineral character. The wines are crisp and clean, with bright acidity. They're usually good values, making a perfect house white to buy by the case for summertime entertaining.”
Santiago Ruiz, commonly known as “The Father of Albariño,” was also named by the recognized Spanish magazine Mi Vino as the “Inventor” of Albariño. If you love Albariño and are looking for the best example of this magnificent grape, Santiago Ruiz is your go-to. Or, if you haven’t ever tasted it, and want to discover the beauty of this grape, this wine is the best way to start.
Santiago Ruiz is an iconic name in the Spanish wine industry. He was a real visionary man that was ahead of his time. In 1978, (at 70 years), he founded his winery that would soon become one of the leading producers in Rias Baixas.
Santiago was an advocate of native Galician grapes, and he became a world ambassador of Rias Baixas and Albariño. He assured everyone that “Albariño could give rise to some of the best white wines in the world,” and he was right, today, Albariño is a must-have in any wine lover’s cellar.
The winery is located in O Rosal, one of the most exceptional subzones in Rias Baixas that’s known for its extremely high-quality wines. The vineyard is made up of almost 100 acres planted with old vines and managed with sustainable viticulture.
Santiago Ruiz’s wines are a work of art. Carlos Delgado, a reporter for the Spanish newspaper El Pais said, “Santiago Ruiz, from the Rosal area, has created one of the best whites in Spain. Unsuspected, original, magnificent in its fruitfulness and structure. A true treasure for connoisseurs and wine lovers with an international dimension.”
More than 50 years ago, Isabel Ruiz, Santiago's eldest daughter, celebrated her wedding on the family estate. To help the guests find their way to the winery in San Miguel de Tabagón, she decided to draw them a map. Her father was delighted with this little detail, which we can still see today on the label of the Santiago Ruiz bottle.
