In a second consecutive year of historic growth, U.S. remains the leading global export market for Spain’s most famous white wine
(D.O. Rías Baixas, Pontevedra, Spain) December 13, 2022 – The Spanish wine region of D.O. Rías Baixas has reported a new record for annualized sales of their renowned Albariño white wines in the U.S. market. For the second consecutive year, exports to the U.S. over-performed to reach 9% growth by volume or 2.8 million liters, and 13.5% by value or $19 million in total sales. The U.S. continues to be the leading global export market for the Albariño wines of Rías Baixas, representing 30% of total export share by volume. This second year of record sales in the U.S. spanned August 2021 to July 2022, as reported by the Consejo Regulador of D.O. Rías Baixas, the region’s official governing body.
This continued growth of U.S. exports from D.O. Rías Baixas reflects a consistent increase in consumer appreciation for the region’s signature Albariño, a native grape variety which traces its origins to the Galician region on the Atlantic Coast of northwest Spain. The Albariño wines of Rías Baixas are favorite selections of retail wine buyers and sommeliers, who have positioned them as world-class white wines on par with the best of France, New Zealand, Austria, and other regions. Crisp and refreshing to taste with pronounced citrus, stone fruit, and floral aromas, Albariño wines offer a premium and authentic wine choice that reflects their coastal, Atlantic origins in Spain.
This year’s record sales from D.O. Rías Baixas show a direct correlation with the success of the high-quality 2022 harvest which also delivered sufficient volume to meet increased demand. Yields can vary considerably in Rías Baixas owing to natural weather patterns; 2022 offered an exceptional and plentiful harvest for this small, family-driven growing region. The success of this year’s harvest is also noteworthy given the continued supply chain challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
U.S. sales gains reflect a positive trend for D.O. Rías Baixas worldwide. Many of the wineries are multi-generational, family-owned ventures and exports represent a dynamic contribution to economic impact throughout Galicia; 107 of the region’s 179 wineries export wine to over 70 countries worldwide. Perceptions of quality are also very favorable as wineries continue to report increases in the average price per liter.
About D.O. Rías Baixas
Denomination of Origin (D.O.) Rías Baixas is renowned for the Albariño grape, an indigenous variety that produces some of the world’s foremost white wines. Located in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain, the D.O. was formally established in 1988. Albariño has always been the flagship of this coastal region. In Rías Baixas’ unique climate, Albariño shares the same mineral-rich soils and cool climate as the world’s leading white wine regions, including Loire Valley, New Zealand, and the Rhine. The USA is Rias Baixas’ most important export market and demand continues to grow. Click here for more information about Albariño wines from Rías Baixas.
