Five subzones
between the Sil and the Miño
The Ribeira Sacra stretches across southern Lugo and northern Ourense, on the slopes of the two rivers and their tributary, the Bibei. The Designation divides it into five subzones.
Terraces on the Lugo bank of the Sil, in the municipality of Sober. The slopes face south and get sun nearly all day, and mencía is the leading grape. It’s the subzone with the longest tradition: Amandi wine was already famous in Roman times.
The northernmost subzone, on the slopes of the Miño around the Belesar reservoir. It’s the coolest and the most Atlantic-influenced, producing light reds and a good share of the Designation’s whites.
The eastern end, in the Sil valley at Quiroga and the Bibei valley, already in Ourense. It’s the driest and warmest subzone, with a climate of Mediterranean traits. A first-century Roman bridge still stands over the Bibei.
The largest of the five. It follows the Miño through Pantón, O Saviñao and Carballedo to where it meets the Sil at Os Peares, passing the Cabo do Mundo meander. It’s the subzone with the most vineyards and wineries.
The Ourense bank of the Sil canyon, between Parada de Sil, Nogueira de Ramuín and A Teixeira. The terraces drop almost vertically to the river, among viewpoints and monasteries such as Santo Estevo.
