2005 Val de Sil Montenovo Godello

The wine producing region of Valdeoras lies in Spain’s northwest corner in the region of Galicia. Much of Valdeorras lies just north of Portugal and to the heast of Rias-Baixas. The zone is bordered by the river Sil which runs East-West through Galicia. Several years ago, many of the indigenous varietals were ripped out to plant varietals from other areas of Spain, but there is now a major movement in the zone to re-plant the indigenous varietals, in particular Godello and Mencia. The Prada family began to plant Godello in 1885 on old stone terraces high on the hillsides surrounding the river Sil. Many years later, several of these parcels had been sold to other estates, but in 2001, the young generation of the family began buying back these small blocks that had been in their family for generations. Fermentations take place in stainless steel tanks and ageing is carried out in both tank and wood. The minerality of Godello does not suit well to heavy-handed uses of oak, but a small amount brings an additional level of complexity to the wines. This 100% Godello-based white is a must for the complete Spanish wine lover.