Grape Variety
Dona-Blanca
"DOH-nyah BLAHN-kah"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Dona-Blanca
Origin
Northwestern Iberian Peninsula, particularly Galicia in Spain and northern Portugal.
History
Doña Blanca, also known as Dona Branca in Portuguese, is a white grape variety primarily grown in the northwest Galicia region of Spain and throughout Portugal from the Douro northward. It is a permitted grape in the Spanish Denominación de Origens (DOs) of Valdeorras and Monterrei in Galicia and Bierzo in nearby Castile and León.
Appearance
Medium-sized, yellow-green berries growing in compact clusters.
Growing Traits
Doña Blanca is a late-ripening variety with thick skins that contribute to its high level of phenolics. The grape lacks acidity, making wines that are perfumed but still light and delicate.
Wine Characteristics
Body
2/5
Sweetness
1/5
Tannin
0/5
Acidity
3/5
Alcohol
3/5
Light to medium-bodied with a delicate and aromatic profile, offering subtle fruit flavors and a smooth texture. Typically dry, with minimal residual sugar, focusing on fresh fruit and floral characteristics. As a white wine, Doña Blanca exhibits negligible tannins, contributing to its smooth and approachable nature. Moderate acidity, providing balance and a refreshing quality to the wine. Moderate alcohol content, typically ranging between 11% and 13%, ensuring a balanced and pleasant drinking experience.
Taste Profile
Citrus
Green Apple
Floral
Herbal
Mineral
Doña Blanca wines are characterized by delicate citrus and green apple flavors, complemented by floral and herbal notes. The moderate acidity and mineral undertones provide balance, leading to a clean and refreshing finish.
Food Pairing
Doña Blanca's light to medium body and aromatic profile make it a versatile partner for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, such as mussels and prawns, as well as light salads and goat cheese. The wine's subtle fruit flavors complement dishes like prawn and cilantro summer rolls or goat cheese tart.
Growing Regions
Spain
GaliciaCastile and LeónExtremadura
Portugal
DouroAlentejoAlgarve
Notable Wines & Producers
Valdeorras Doña Blanca
Adega O Casal
Bodegas Godeval
Monterrei Doña Blanca
Quinta do Buble
Pazo das Tapias
Bierzo Doña Blanca
Bodegas Estefanía
Luna Beberide
Dona-Blanca FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Dona-Blanca?
+
Northwestern Iberian Peninsula, particularly Galicia in Spain and northern Portugal.
Is Dona-Blanca wine full bodied?
+
Dona-Blanca has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Dona-Blanca is Moderate to Light bodied.
Is Dona-Blanca wine dry or sweet?
+
Dona-Blanca has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Dona-Blanca is Dry.
Where is Dona-Blanca wine from?
+
Northwestern Iberian Peninsula, particularly Galicia in Spain and northern Portugal.
Where is Dona-Blanca grown?
+
Dona-Blanca is grown in Spain (Galicia, Castile and León, Extremadura)Portugal (Douro, Alentejo, Algarve).
What is Dona-Blanca like?
+
Doña Blanca wines are characterized by delicate citrus and green apple flavors, complemented by floral and herbal notes. The moderate acidity and mineral undertones provide balance, leading to a clean and refreshing finish.
What does Dona-Blanca pair with?
+
Doña Blanca's light to medium body and aromatic profile make it a versatile partner for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, such as mussels and prawns, as well as light salads and goat cheese. The wine's subtle fruit flavors complement dishes like prawn and cilantro summer rolls or goat cheese tart.
What does Dona-Blanca taste like?
+
Doña Blanca wines are characterized by delicate citrus and green apple flavors, complemented by floral and herbal notes. The moderate acidity and mineral undertones provide balance, leading to a clean and refreshing finish.
Take Dona-Blanca Knowledge with You
Access detailed grape profiles, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions on your iPhone.
Download on theApp Store