Martín Códax Marieta Albarino Semiseco 2025

Marieta is a single variety Albarino from Martin Codax, based in Cambados in the D.O. Rias Baixas on the Galician coast. The grapes come from small parcels trained high on the traditional pergola trellis, which lifts the canopy off the damp Atlantic ground and aids ripening and airflow. Harvest is by hand into 20 kilogram cases. The wine is fermented at a controlled 16 to 18 degrees in stainless steel, and the ferment is stopped early by rapid cooling, which retains a little natural grape sugar and holds the alcohol down to 11.5 percent. That off dry balance is the point of this wine: the light sweetness rounds the palate and offsets the high acidity Albarino carries from the cool maritime climate and granite soils. The colour is pale yellow with golden reflections. The nose is aromatic and inviting, showing ripe white peach, apricot and melon over white flowers. The palate is fresh and gently sweet, with citrus, a saline mineral edge and a clean finish. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. The touch of sweetness makes it a good foil for spice.