Spain’s new wave of white wines: Godello

Vionta Godello Monterrei 2018

Spain offers a rich hunting ground for interesting and refreshing white wines. Albariño is probably the best known but Verdejo, Garnacha Blanca and Godello are others well worth trying. Each of them brings features of their regionality to the table; factors such as climate, terroir, aspect and viticulture all have a role to play.

This Godello wine is a fine example of what the grape is capable of. Grown predominantly in Galicia, it is less well-known than that other Galician delight, Albariño, and has different characteristics. With less acidity than Albariño, typically a Godello is a richer and fuller wine, with more texture.

The Vionta Godello 2018 is from the Monterrei region, just on the border with Portugal. Here the climate is warm and dry, ideal for ripening the grapes, but still under the influence of the Atlantic to ensure sufficient acidity. Vionta takes its name from a small island just off Spain’s Atlantic coast and the island’s silhouette appears on the label.

A dry, medium-bodied wine with medium acidity and a long finish, it has aromas of blossom, apple and pear on the nose, and grapefruit and peach flavours on the palate. It is a ripe, well-balanced, silky wine which is fine by itself or as a perfect match for seafood.

Available from Slurp (£13.95)