Castro Ventosa Valtuille El Val Godello 2022

Castro Ventosa farms in Valtuille de Abajo, in the heart of Bierzo in Castilla y Leon, and this white comes from the El Val site planted to Godello. Bierzo sits in a sheltered valley on a mix of slate, clay and alluvial soils, with a climate that blends Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, and Godello ripens fully here while keeping good acidity, giving a white with more body and stone-fruit weight than the leaner Atlantic whites further north. This cuvee spends twelve months in oak barrel. Extended barrel ageing on the lees releases mannoproteins that broaden the texture and add a creamy weight, while slow oxygen exchange through the wood carries the fruit toward richer character and a light toasty note. Organic farming keeps the vineyard soils active. The colour is bright gold. The nose shows white peach, ripe pear, a touch of citrus and a mineral, faintly toasty edge from the barrel. The palate is broad and balanced, with real texture and a saline, stony finish that keeps it fresh. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a full white glass.