A Vilerma 2024

A Vilerma comes from Bodegas Jose Pariente, working reclaimed granite terraces in the Valle del Avia in the D.O. Ribeiro, inland Galicia. The blend draws on the region's indigenous whites, led by Treixadura with Albarino, Godello, Loureira Blanca, Lado and Torrontes. Decomposed granite drains freely and holds little heat, so the vines ripen slowly under Atlantic influence, keeping natural acidity high and the aromatics fresh rather than heavy. A period in wood softens the texture and adds a light savoury frame without covering the fruit, while the several varieties each contribute a different note to the whole. The colour is pale straw. The nose is aromatic, with freshly cut green apple and pear alongside aniseed, fennel and bay leaf, and a faint stony minerality from the granite. The palate is dry and taut, the fruit carried on brisk Atlantic acidity through a clean, slightly saline finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees in a standard white glass. It suits Galician seafood, grilled white fish and fresh goat cheese, and has the acidity to handle green salads and herb dressings.