Generous aromas of stone fruits, pear, citrus, and white pepper. The palate is quite full bodied with moderate, rounded acidity. It offers tons of flavors that echo the aromas, with perfectly ripe fruits. It has beautiful balance and depth, with medium-plus body and medium length.

WINE INFORMATION

Valdeorras is the easternmost wine zone in northwest Spain’s Galicia. Its name, “Valley of Gold,” reflects its history—Romans mined for gold here, then planted some of Galicia’s earliest vineyards. Most vineyards are located along the Sil River, planted on gently rolling hills. The rest are mountainous, with steeply terraced vineyards. Godello is the main white grape, Mencía the major red. Climate here is mixed, a blend of Atlantic, continental, and Sil-valley microclimate. Winter sees below-zero temperatures, spring frosts and hail are not uncommon, and summers are very hot and packed with violent thunderstorms—not a very hospitable environment.

Bodegas Ladera Sagrada, founded in 1920, is the largest grape producer in Valdeorras, with 62 acres under vine. It also has the oldest Godello vines in the DO, with some over 40 years and all at least 25. The property produces Godello and Mencía, planted on slate and granite over a thin layer of clay. Yields are about a third of the DO average. In fact, Ladera Sagrada sells off 80% of its fruit, retaining the best for its own use. Grapes are harvested manually into 15-kg boxes. At the winery, they’re destemmed and crushed. The juice macerates on the skins for 8-12 hours before slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel with natural yeasts. The wine does not see malolactic fermentation, and ages in tank.

Cheese, Cream Sauce Pasta, Fish-full flavored (salmon/tuna), Lobster & Crab, Pork, Shellfish, Sushi, Tapas