The Monterrei D.O. borders Portugal, covering the southeast corner of Galicia, in the province of Ourense. Named for the Monterrei fortress that overlooks the region, Monterrei's winemaking traditions date back to the ancient Romans, however it just regained its DO status in 1994. It is the warmest & driest area of Galicia, thanks to the rain shadow effect produced by the Sierra de Larouca mountains. Most vines in Monterrei surround the Tâmega river.
Godello is a rare Iberian grape characterized by its small, closely packed berries and its mineral acidity. The grape was almost extinct in the mid 20th century, but was saved by replanting efforts in the 1970's.
Minius Godello displays a lively yellow color with green reflections. Highlighted on the nose are the citrus and floral aromas, along with white fruits notes and herbs like fennel. It is soft and elegant in mouth with nice acidity, bringing about a fresh and persistent finish.
Apetizers, rices, grilled seafood, white fish in sauce, cheeses, poultries
"Lovely freshness to this white, which shows orange blossom, dried lemons, nutmeg and white pepper. A taut palate follows with a light to medium body, bright, crunchy acidity and a mineral-driven finish. Drink now."
- James Suckling (July 2019), 91 pts
"The medium-bodied 2017 Godello Monterrei checks in as 100% Godello that was brought up all in tank. It’s another beautiful white brought in by Fran Kysela that has crisp melon and lime notes, plenty of floral characteristics, medium body, and a balanced, delicious style. It’s as easy-drinking as it gets yet also offers complexity and length."
- Jeb Dunnuck (March 27th 2019), 90 pts
"(raised entirely in stainless steel tanks) Light bright yellow. Ripe citrus fruits, honey and a touch of fennel on the perfumed nose. Supple and broad in the mouth, offering juicy tangerine and pear flavors and a bracing jolt of candied ginger. A subtle floral note emerges on the finish, which hangs on with good focus and persistence. - Josh Raynolds"
- Vinous (January 2017), 89 pts
"Stony, minerally aromas of green apple and lemon are clean and focused. The palate follows that lead, showing minerally crispness along with firm but not cutting acidity. Apple, pear and peach flavors finish glassy and fresh."
- Wine Enthusiast (May 2016), 88 pts
Another grape that excels in Spain is the indigenous Godello, and the 2014 Minius Godello is a totally naked wine with excellent wet pebble/rocky minerality, the texture of a fine Chardonnay, crisp honeysuckle and fennel notes along with white peach and white currant. This is a delicious, fuller-flavored, serious wine to drink over the next 1-2 years.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (March 2016), 87 pts - Excellent Wine Values for Under $25
Carlos Gómez established Adegas Valmiñor in 1997, building and opening new facilities in 2001. A trained executive with extensive experience in the wine business, Carlos has continued to expand the ...
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