The world of wine is fascinating, and one lifetime isn’t enough to get to know it completely. Just when we think we’ve tried all the wine in the world, another grape varietal becomes fashionable. So, we pour it into our glass, and it makes us fall in love.
Let’s take a trip to Spain. Let’s travel north, to the spectacular region of Galicia. It is a majestic land, very popular for its seafood and the Albariño, a wine that has stolen everybody’s attention for being a very refreshing white wine.
Also in Galicia lives the Godello grape. It is a white grape found predominantly in the Denominación de origen Valdeorras, followed by Denominación Bierzo, in the Castilla y León region.
When a grape becomes fashionable, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a new strain of grape. For example, the wine-making tradition of Valdeorras dates back to Roman times. In their Mediterranean-oceanic climate, the Romans planted vineyards and built caves with “lagares” (where the grape is pressed or the must is collected) in high, and sometimes very steep, soils. So, in 1945, Valdeorras managed to become a “denomination” to protect their winemaking traditions, regulates the process and their grape varieties.
Godello is moderately aromatic varietal, with superior characteristics compared to Albariňo. Mostly because it has the capacity to improve over time when aged in barrels, and it has more body. It has mineral, herbaceous touches and fresh acidity, making it a little bit more complex than Albariño. Godello is characterized by its yellow-golden color and its aroma, which transitions from fruity to floral.
If you concentrate just enough while drinking Godello, you can feel its ripe yellow fruit flavors, like meyer lemon, pineapple, golden apple, pear, and even some quince. The best of Godello wines goes through French oak barrels, giving it a silky, and sometimes spiced, touch.
You will pay between $16 - $30 for a bottle, and it pairs well with light seasoned white fish, light ceviches, salads with pear, mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese, grapefruit, or just a good company. If you like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, if you’re already familiar with Albariño and want to taste its neighbor, or if you just want to be “in”, then order it like this: Una copa de Godello, por favor!
