From: Bierzo, Spain
Blend: Godello and Doña Blanca
Taste & Critical Acclaim: 93 pt. Vinous. “Pale yellow-gold. Expressive pear, nectarine and lemon peel qualities on the fragrant nose, which is complemented by chalky mineral, chamomile and ginger nuances. Sappy, mineral-driven orchard and pit fruit flavors stain the palate and take on floral and spice accents as the wine stretches out. Rich yet vibrant in character, finishing very long, chewy and focused, with repeating florality and a lingering mineral note.”
Pairing: This gorgeous and easy-to-love white wine pairs well with various dishes. Its bright acidity and rich fruit flavors make it an excellent choice for seafood dishes, such as grilled or poached fish, scallops (check out the recipe below!), or shrimp. The wine's mineral complexity complements fresh herbs and citrus dishes, like lemon and herb-roasted chicken or citrus-marinated ceviche.
For vegetarian options, this wine pairs exceptionally well with dishes that showcase earthy and umami flavors. Consider pairing it with a wild mushroom risotto or a creamy spinach and artichoke pasta. The wine's acidity and minerality make it an excellent match for heartier vegetable dishes, such as roasted root vegetables or a warm lentil and vegetable salad. The subtle nuttiness of the wine works harmoniously with dishes featuring cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or a mild, creamy brie.
Buttery Scallops With Lemon and Herbs
By Melissa Clark
About. Important things to note.
- Aromas of flint, wet stones, and Asian pear. Tension and saltiness on the palate, balanced by bright acidity. Pairs well with sardines, sea bass, and cheese.
- Primarily Godello with a small percentage of Dona Blanca
- 100-120 year-old vines in La Poulosa (clay) and Las Villegas (sandy clay)
- Approximately 80% of the juice ferments and is raised in neutral 500L barrels, with the remainder fermented and raised in open-top clay amphora on the skins under a protective layer of yeast
The northwestern corner of Spain is home to the Bierzo region, where viticulturalist Raúl Pérez has been experimenting with unique and historic grape varieties in his La Vizcaína project. The 2019 La Vizcaína 'La Del Vivo' Lomas de Valtuille is a testament to Pérez's dedication to preserving the rich varietal diversity in Galicia and the surrounding areas.
In Valtuille de Abajo, La Vizcaína explores the hillside crus surrounding Pérez's hometown. The project currently produces four reds and one white wine made from vines over fifty years of average age. While the red wines are labeled 100% Mencía, they contain significant quantities of other local grapes, such as Trousseau, Sousón, Alicante Bouschet, Brancellao, and Caiño. This rich diversity of grape varieties is due to the famous Camino de Santiago. This pilgrimage route has contributed to the distribution of vine cuttings throughout northwestern Spain since the 9th century.
About the grapes. The Godello grape variety, originating in Galicia, almost faced extinction in the 20th century, with only a few hundred vines remaining by the 1970s. Thanks to Horacio Fernández and Luis Hidalgos, Godello has experienced a resurgence in popularity, now boasting over 1000 hectares of vineyards in Galicia alone. Godello is known for its intense, mineral-rich, and long-lived wines that respond well to barrel fermentation.
The lesser-known Doña Blanca grape variety is primarily used in the production of White Port and occasionally in dry table wines. It is an aromatic variety, producing perfumed, light, and delicate wines. Doña Blanca's late-ripening nature and thick skin contribute to its high level of phenolics.
About the winemaker. Raúl Pérez Pereira is universally considered to be one of the world’s most visionary winemakers. Since he produced his first vintage for his family’s winery in 1994 at the age of 22, he has been at the forefront of the conversation about what has been called “The New Spain.” In 2005, he left his family business to strike out on his own, creating Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez, quickly becoming the point of reference for the Bierzo appellation. In the intervening years, he has expanded his sphere of activity to include the appellations of Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, and Tierra de León. Still, his heart and home remain in Valtuille de Abajo, the village in Bierzo where his family has been tending vines for over 300 years.
In addition to numerous other accolades, Raúl was named “Winemaker of the Year” by German publication Der Feinschmecker in 2014 and “Best Winemaker in the World” in 2015 by the French publication Bettane+Desseauve. In the February 2018 Decanter, Master of Wine, Pedro Ballesteros wrote, “Raúl Pérez is the archetype of the intuitive winemaking genius.” A picture of Raúl in that same article is captioned, “Is this the best winemaker in the world?” Raúl would certainly not self-apply any of these superlatives. His humility and generosity of spirit far exceed his genius. That humility comes through in his wines. These are not “winemaker” wines so much as they are unadulterated expressions of the villages and vineyards they hail from.
