Ollos de Roque 2023

Ollos de Roque is a white from D.O. Ribeiro made by Iago Garrido at Fazenda Agrícola Augalevada in Cenlle, Orense. It is a field blend of native Galician varieties, Treixadura, Albariño, Godello, Lado and Loureira Blanca, grown on clay soils and farmed biodynamically. The damp, Atlantic-influenced climate of Ribeiro and the water-retaining clay give the wine its cool, mineral austerity, while the mix of local grapes layers Treixadura's structure with the aromatics of Albariño and Godello. The wine is aged for seven months in clay amphorae, whose porous walls allow a slow, gentle micro-oxygenation and long lees contact without any oak character, adding texture and a savoury, earthy depth while preserving freshness. It is pale gold. The nose is green apple and lemon with white flowers, a stony minerality and a light earthy note. The palate is dry, lean and mineral, with citrus fruit, white peach and a saline, persistent finish. Serve lightly chilled at around 9 to 11 degrees in a white glass. It suits seafood, salads and lighter poultry.