[ Bierzo – Spain ]
www.Godelia.es
Reviews & Tasting Notes
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[ Story: ]
Bodegas Godelia is a leading quality producer of wines in the emerging region of Bierzo, situated in northwestern Spain north of the Portugese-Spanish border. This territory, centered around Ponferrada, has quickly taken the wine world by storm with the production of flavourful, mineral-drive and characterful whites and reds. Both white and red wines are made from local indigenous grape varieties – whites from Godello and reds from Mencia.
Godello-based whites are generally barrel aged and produced rich, structured and complex wines somewhat mindful of white Burgundy. Delicious in their youth, Godello-based whites from Bierzo project excellent mid to longer-term cellaring potential. Similarly, reds made from Mencia are immensely drinkable for their mid to fuller weight, refreshing acidity and crunchy red berry fruit. These reds are a perfect match next to red meat, especially lamb or game.
Bodegas Godelia’s vineyards cover nearly 100 acres across three properties, each offering slightly different elevation and soil profile, creating something a diverse selection for the winemaker to work with in assembling the final blends. Godelia is an artisan wine producer: harvest is carried out by hand, before vinification commences in the farmhouse-inspired cellars. Descending from a long line of Galician farmers, the family at Godelia emphasizes traditional methods in both farming and winemaking.
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[ Bierzo DO: ]
The Bierzo DO of Spain covers some 3,000 square kilometres and is comprised of a series of valleys and hillsides in the higher elevation portion of the district, known as the Alto Bierzo, and a single open flat plain in the lower elevation Bajo Bierzo. Much like the famous neighbouring Albarino producing region of Rias Baixas, Bierzo is home to a somewhat gentler, almost maritime climate well-suited to the production of balanced and refreshing wines.
The history of wine production in the Bierzo region dates back more than 2,000 years, however the last decade and a half have seen a dramatic increase in the global interest in wines from this region. Part of this surge can be attributed to an growing global demand for indigenous (or heritage) grape varieties not commonly grown in other places, as well as the nature of the wines themselves offering a more balanced, refreshing profile – consistent with shifts in wine consumer palates and preferences.