El Castro de Valtuille Godello 2024

Castro Ventosa produce El Castro de Valtuille Godello in the D.O. Bierzo, a single variety white from the Godello grape. The winery lies at Valtuille de Abajo and draws on 60 hectares split into around 300 plots, each with its own soils and orientation across the slate and clay of Bierzo, a zone that sits between Atlantic and continental influence. Godello performs as well here as in neighbouring Galicia, giving a white with body and grip. The wine spends twelve months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the texture and adds a layer of spice and toast, while extended lees contact builds a fuller, rounder palate. The colour is a bright straw gold, and the nose is balsamic and complex, with pollen, beeswax and dried yellow flowers lifted by a spicy hint of nutmeg and vanilla. The palate is broad and textured, the ripe white peach fruit carried by fine acidity and a nutty, almond finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a broad glass. It suits richer white fish, roast chicken and pork, and nutty hard cheeses.