2007 Godeval Godello Galicia Spain

Vina Godeval Godello Valdeorras Galicia Spain

I discovered this wine a few years ago and never stop drinking it since then. I especially enjoyed the last two vintages 2006 and 2007. In any cases, the fresher and younger it is, like most Galician whites, the better it is. Unoaked Albarino and other fresh whites from Rias Baixas and Ribeira are also very fine examples of what this little-Brittany-like region of Spain can produce.

Coming from Galicia, forming the northwestern part of Spain above Portugal, this wine was crafted with the indeginous local white grape: Godello. It is the main white grape variety of the D.O. Valdeorras, a little pocket size wine appellation located in the southeastern part of Galicia. Valdeorras is neighbouring the D.O. Bierzo, another appellation that I 'm very fond of, producing balanced Cabernet-Franc-like reds with the Mencia grape, located eastern part of Leon, Castilla y Leon.

"Founded in 1987, Godeval not only resurrected the ruins of the 12th century Monastery of San Miguel de Xagoaza where the winery is located but also resurrected the all but forgotten ancient varietal Godello. Stone rooms that once housed gallant medieval knights and weary pilgrims are now home to a state of the art cellar. The estate owned vineyards are located high on a ridge that dominates the valley. The slate soils lend a unique minerality to this crisp wine which is a perfect accompaniment for seafood and fresh shellfish." Info taken from the label.

I'm in love with Galician whites, fresh, vivid, crispy and loaded with minerality, they are my first choice in white with white Burgundy, some white Pessac-Leognan and Graves, Loire whites (from Muscadet to Chenin Blanc to Sauvignon and more), German and Alsacian Riesling, Austrian Gruner and the racy Txakolina of the Basque coast near San Sebastian (again in Spain, I just love Spain....friendly people, good wine, good food, sunny weather, open minded on culture, art and design, etc...but this subject will take an entire new post...).




2007 Vina Godeval Godello Valdeorras Galicia Spain
Suggested retail price $16-$19
A Jorge Ordonez Selections distributed in NYC by Tempranillo Inc.

Godeval 2007 was a real revelation for me when I first tasted it and it remains one of my favorite whites from Spain. It has beautiful balance, bright acidity and great minerality which confer to this wine a very inviting sense of purity and freshness. They is no season to drink it. It will always quench your thirst and enhance your meal, whether you're eating grilled fish, seasoned shellfish and even white meat in sauce. It is ideal for any occasion and I have yet to meet somebody that disliked it.

Enjoy! (I personally drink it like water...).

LeDom du Vin

For more info go to their website at: www.godeval.com