Have you tried the Spanish/Portuguese variety “Treixadura”? Probably, but not as a single-varietal wine.
Treixadura
Treixadura (Trajadura in Portugal) is a white variety found primarily in Galicia, Spain. It’s also used in Vinho Verde wines from Portugal. It’s usually a complementary blending grape used to add more body and alcohol to a white blend. It also has lower acidity compared to varieties like Albariño, one of its typical blending partners in Vinho Verde and Rias Baixas. Besides being part of Vinho Verde blends, the only other times I’ve had this grape are with blends made mostly of Godello from Galicia. This is my first time trying Treixadura as the dominant grape. I couldn’t find the exact percentages, but in previous vintages, this wine was 75% Treixadura.
The producer, Luis Anxo Rodriguez, has 3.7 hectares in Ribeiro, where you’re most likely to find Treixadura as a varietal wine. He makes around 30,000 bottles a year. The Os Pasas is his mid-range white with some lees aging. Their premium whites go through oak fermentation and aging while I think this one doesn’t.
Tasting Notes
2021 Luis Anxo Rodriguez Viña de Martin Os Pasas Ribeiro
This is primarily Treixadura (Trajadura). There’s also a bit of Albariño, Lado and Torrontés (not the same as Argentina, but the same as Portuguese Fernão Pires or Maria Gomes). The color is pale copper. The nose is leesy at first but then there’s some yellow fruit, citrus, savory herbs and stony minerality. I don’t think there’s any oak here. The palate is medium-bodied with medium+ acid. Round but not quite oily. Perhaps a touch of honey or waxiness. The nose is complex while the mouthfeel is smooth and seamless carrying some of the same fruit and savory flavors. A Galician alternative to Albariño that could be paired with richer cooked seafood or chicken but only 12.5% alcohol despite it being known for relatively higher alcohol. It’s heavier and less acidic than most unoaked Albariño, but it still feels light and elegant. I can get on board with more monovarietal Treixadura from Galicia if they’re like this. 92
Treixadura, a lesser-known yet captivating white grape variety, hails primarily from the verdant northwest of Spain, particularly Galicia, where it thrives in the Rías Baixas and Ribeiro Denominaciones de Origen (DOs). This grape, often overshadowed by its more famous counterpart Albariño, contributes to wines that are both aromatic and nuanced. Treixadura wines are celebrated for their vibrant acidity, balanced by a lush, fruity profile that includes notes of peach, citrus, and tropical fruits, often complemented by floral and herbal undertones. Its versatility shines in both single-varietal expressions and blends, where it adds complexity and depth. In Rías Baixas, it frequently complements Albariño, enhancing the wine’s texture and aromatic spectrum, while in Ribeiro, it takes center stage, showcasing its full potential. The grape’s thin skin makes it susceptible to disease, demanding meticulous vineyard care, but the reward is a wine that pairs beautifully with seafood, light salads, and regional Galician dishes like *pulpo a la gallega*. Treixadura is a testament to Spain’s rich viticultural diversity, offering a unique, refreshing experience for those willing to explore beyond the mainstream
Thanks for sharing. I hope to taste more single variety Treixadura.