Ultreia Godello 2024

Ultreia Godello comes from Raul Perez, one of Spain's most recognised winemakers, working the Godello grape in his native Bierzo in Castilla y Leon. Perez chases terroir over any single soil type, and Bierzo gives him old vines on slate and clay with a climate that sits between Atlantic and continental, holding acidity while ripening the fruit fully. The wine spends twelve months in large oak foudres rather than small barrels; the greater volume means less wood contact per litre, so the oak rounds the texture and adds a light honeyed spice through slow oxygen exchange without dominating. Ageing on the lees over that time builds body and a creamy weight from the released mannoproteins. It shows a bright golden hue, a nose of green apple, pear and white peach with honey and a soft vanilla frame, and a palate that is broad and textured yet kept fresh by a citrus line into a long finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a larger white glass to let the aromas open. Good with richer fish, roast chicken or a hard nutty cheese.