| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Spain > Castilla y León > Bierzo |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
This 100% Godello comes from a tiny parcel of very old (over 125 years) vines at high altitude in one of the coldest sites of the region. Production is one 500l barrel. Vivid pale lemon in the glass, the nose has that hit of great reduction and spice, all flint, stone and salted citrus - you could easily mistake this for great white Burgundy. There is just a hint of fresh nut and riper fruit hinting at the variety and origin. The palate has great drive, intense with chiselled, lightly chalky grip and real acid cut. The fruit manages to be ripe but never excessive, pushing to notes of peach blossom and citrus peel. A complete, accomplished wine, this must be one of the best whites made anywhere in Spain. I enjoyed this sample so much I took it home, and after 10 hours open it only improves, still lightly flinty but broader and silkier, fanning out on a long finish that keeps you coming back. Superb.
A tank sample ready for bottling, the 2024 Godello El Val Vino De Paraje Valtuille De Abajo is upfront fruity but with more delicacy than the 2023, and a mineral-driven nose. Salty and citrusy, it has a noticeably quenching quality that makes it feel long and complete. Due for release in March 2026.One of the young members of the new guard, Cesar Marquez Perez focuses on the region of Bierzo and most specifically the village of Valtuille De Abajo, which has the most wineries in one place in the region, 14, with only 60 inhabitants. His family has run a winery for generations, and between 2011 and 2016, Cesar worked with Raoul Perez. He started his own project in 2015 to differentiate from the family winery. He focuses on less alcohol, more length, and delicacy. (Drink starting 2026)
