2013 Guimaro, Vino Blanco, Ribeira Sacra D.O. Galicia, Spain.
The wines of Pedro M. Rodriguez Perez Guimaro are some of the best and most interesting wines of the Ribeira Sacra, and they are superb values and examples of terroir from the northwest of Spain. This region on cooler Atlantic is heavily influenced by the sea and is set on coastal and river soils that are mostly based on sand, which means very little vine disease and ancient vines, some of Europe’s oldest surviving vines are out this way. Guimaro is mostly known for their fantastic Mencia reds, but this beautiful and complex white, made from Godello and tiny amounts of native varietals. Godello makes a fresh style white that has elects that seem like a cross of Albarino and white Burgundy (Chablis) with brisk acidity, steely mineral and semi rich body and textural finesse, it has gained popularity and is making a comeback from only a few years ago when it was close to being a mere curiosity, as of 2004 there was only 2,200 acres planted in Spain. The 2013 Guimaro is bright and fruity with tropical elements, a light/pale golden hue, white flowers on the nose and a medium palate of lemon/key lime, green apple, passionfruit, hints of banana and bitter/briny notes with almond oil, saline, wet river stones and lingering kumquat, kiwi and quince. This is a very racy version of Godello, it has about 12.5% alcohol, comes from organic vines, and it stays tight and focused throughout with a nice play between the acidity, fruitiness and savory essences, this is impressive and refreshing wine, drink from 2015 to 2020.
($24 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
