Cuqueira 2024

Cuqueira comes from D.O. Ribeiro in inland Galicia, made by the Cunqueiro winery from a blend led by Treixadura with Torrontes and other local white grapes. Ribeiro sits in the river valleys of the Galician interior, where an Atlantic-influenced climate and granite soils give white wines high natural acidity and a floral, aromatic lift. Treixadura provides the body and orchard fruit, while Torrontes adds perfume. The whole wine is made and fermented in stainless steel, with no wood, so the fresh fruit and the character of the terroir come through clearly and the wine keeps its bright edge. At 11.5% the alcohol is modest, which suits its light, refreshing style. The colour is pale straw with green tints. The nose is floral and aromatic, with white flowers over green apple and white peach. The palate is crisp and dry, with citrus peel, pear and melon carried by lively acidity to a clean, mineral finish. This is a young wine made for freshness rather than cellaring. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10C. It works as an aperitif and with shellfish, white fish and green salads.