Springtime Godello

This post has been sponsored by Godelia Winery. The following message is intended for those 21+. All opinions expressed are my own. Please enjoy responsibly.

Today we’re taking a look at a Godello wine from Bierzo’s Godelia’s winery.

For those who might not be familiar, Godello is a white wine grape that tends to produce wine with crisp acidity, vibrant fruit aromatics such as green apple or pear, and subtle mineral undertones. On the palate, Godello is characterized by lush flavors of citrus zest and tropical fruits. What’s more, Godello is a lovely white wine for pairing with food, being exceptionally versatile – as we will touch on below.

However, before getting to the wine itself, we’ll take a moment to talk about Bierzo itself, what makes it tick, and what sort of wines this area of Spain produces.

Now, without further introduction, let’s dive right in.

The Where – Bierzo, Spain

The Bierzo Denominacion de Origen (certified wine region) is located in the northwest of Spain, within the larger Castilla y León autonomous community. The area is chiefly known for its red wines, and in particular, those produced from the Mencía varietal.

Located in the province of León, Bierzo is nestled between the mountain ranges of the Cordillera Cantábrica to the north and the Sierra de la Cabrera to the south. One might say that this wine region is ‘made by the mountains, as these two mountain ranges influence positively everything about the area, from its climate and soil to the cultivation techniques employed by the vineyards.

Bierzo enjoys a maritime climate with Atlantic influences, characterized by mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, and significant diurnal temperature variation. The region's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderate temperatures, while the surrounding mountains shield the area from overly harsh weather conditions. The soil of Bierzo, meanwhile, is rocky and quite diverse in composition, consisting of a mix of slate, clay, quartzite, and granite – all courtesy of the aforementioned mountains. Complex and varied soils, naturally, contribute to the complex and diverse grapes that comprise the output of Bierzo’s vineyards.

While several grape varieties are grown in Bierzo, including white varieties like Godello (which we’re covering today) and Doña Blanca, the region is best known for its red wines made from the Mencía grape – as mentioned earlier. Mencía thrives in Bierzo's cooler climate and rocky soils, producing wines with vibrant fruit flavors, lively acidity, and moderate tannins. Overall, Bierzo wines are characterized by their freshness, elegance, and distinctiveness.

Tasting and Aromatics – The Review

The Godello introduces itself with citrusy aromatics, primarily juicy tangerine, and pineapple off the top of the glass, with hints of pear and floral notes deeper into the glass, accompanied by a hint of minerality. On the palate, the wine features a mellow sweetness and crisp acidity. The citrus from the aromatics carries over quite nicely in the form of tropic fruits such as papaya and mango, with just a hint of ‘something herbal’ lingering in the background. Very pleasant from start to finish.

The Pairing – What to Eat

When pairing food and Godello, you are primarily considering the wine’s inherent acidity, its fruit flavors, and its inescapable mineral undertones.

With that in mind, here are what I consider to be the ideal pairings for today’s Godello:

1. Seafood: If you guessed that the wine’s refreshing acidity and delicate fruit notes make it an excellent match for seafood dishes because of the “white wine and fish” cliché, you guessed right. I would suggest pairing today’s Godello with grilled or roasted fish, such as sea bass, halibut, or trout. In addition, I would also suggest that the wine's minerality complements the natural brininess of shellfish, especially oysters, clams, and mussels.
2. Poultry: In addition to seafood, this wine is also a delicious accompaniment for poultry dishes. Whether it's roasted chicken or turkey. Duck is also another great pairing, as the wine's acidity will help cut through the richness of the duck meat, preventing the wine from being overpowered the way more delicate white wines would be.
3. Vegetarian Dishes: Godello's crisp acidity and vibrant fruitiness make it a great choice for enhancing vegetarian dishes. Try it with grilled vegetables, leafy salads, risotto, or pasta dishes with light cream or herb-based sauces. The wine's freshness will enhance the flavors of the vegetables and add brightness to the dish.
4. Cheese: This wine is a natural accompaniment to any cheese platter, especially cheeses with creamy textures and mild, nutty flavors. Consider serving it alongside goat cheese, brie (bonus points if baked with honey and nuts), or camembert, as well as semi-soft cheeses like havarti or fontina.
5. Lighter Meat Dishes: I’ll be upfront and say that Godello is ‘not’ a white wine that can stand up to heavy red meats such as seared steaks or roasted lamb, in the way something like an Assyrtiko might. That said, Goddelo can deliciously complement lighter meat dishes such as pork tenderloin, veal, or even grilled sausages. Its crisp acidity and subtle fruitiness will provide a refreshing contrast, while preventing the wine from being overpowered, creating a delightful pairing.
6. Spicy Cuisine: Godello's fruit-forward profile and refreshing acidity make it an excellent choice for pairing with spicy dishes. Try it with Thai, Indian, or Mexican cuisine, where its fruity notes can help temper the heat of the spices while providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

And that’s our review of Godelia’s Godello wine. If you tried today’s wine, or have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments below we always love hearing from you.

Cheers!