Fedellos do Couto Testorio Blanco 2024

Fedellos do Couto is a Galician project in D.O. Ribeira Sacra in north-west Spain, run by Jesus Olivares, Curro Bareno and Luis Taboada, known for a range of unconventional, fresh wines. This white comes from steep terraces above the region's river gorges, where the vines grow on slate and granite soils on inclines too sharp for machinery. The blend of Dona Blanca, Godello and other old white varieties reflects the field-blend tradition of the area. The soil is central: slate warms quickly and drains hard, giving the wine its mineral tension and its firm acidity, while the Atlantic-influenced climate, cool and wet, keeps the fruit fresh and light in alcohol. The wine is aged in used French oak barrels, which add texture and a slow exchange of air without the flavour of new wood, and lees contact broadens the palate. The colour is pale straw. The nose is fresh and faintly herbal, with green apple, white peach and citrus peel over white flowers and a light thyme note. The palate is dry, light and mineral, the orchard fruit carried by a saline, slate-driven acidity to a clean finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees. It suits white fish, shellfish and lighter poultry.