2015 Valdesil Valteiro María Ardoña

Gold was once mined in the Galician region of Valdeorras, the 'golden' valley, but today it is wine. In particular white wine from a special grape, godello and red wine from the grape Mencia. The variety grows on slopes and on plateaus around the river Sil and has been successfully transformed into fine wines. The Valdesil family domain is one of the most prominent houses that sources its grapes from all kinds of small plots, partly granite-containing, partly sandy, partly with slate. The sticks are often very old (top). Val De Sil has made the Godello and Mencia wines from the Valley de Sil famous.

Bodegas Valdesil is located in Vilamartín de Valdeorras in the deep west of Spain, approximately 180 km southeast of Santiago de Compostela. The history of the winery begins in the year 1885, when the winegrower José Ramón Gayoso began planting godello grape vines on the slate slopes of the Sil valley. Everyone made fun of him at the time. Although Gayoso later gave up the vineyard, the plants survived, and today the same genetic material is still used here. The modern history of the winery starts in 1991. In that year the Prada-Gayoso family brings the vineyards back in top condition. Today the winery covers 20 ha. Of these, many are small plots of old godello plants. Some vineyards are located at the best spots of Valdeorras, especially on the sunny slopes at Córgomo and Portel. The red grape variety mencía is also grown here. A total of six wines are made from both grape varieties. Bodegas Valdesil is one of the most reliable producers in Galicia, "a very reliable source for quality wines from Valdeorras", says Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Because Galicia borders the Atlantic Ocean on two sides, its gastronomy is very focused on fish and shellfish. The steep northwest coast hides a number of small fishing villages in addition to the larger ports. The local specialties are percebes (barnacles) and the more common oyster, mussel, crab, lobster, shells and shrimp. One can also find all kinds of saltwater fish and lampreys which are abundant in the rivers at certain times of the year. Inland, the cuisine becomes heavier and more meat is used (pig trotters, ham, duck) and traditional Northern Spanish specialties: chorizo (spicy sausage) and callos (tripe).

Vineyards

The vineyards in Galicia have a remarkable terroir diversity. Galicia is home to different microclimates and soil types in its different sub-regions, leading to a wide range of wine styles. Whether you're looking for refreshing white wines, robust red wines or somewhere in between, Galicia has it all.

The influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean is unmistakable. The cool, moist sea air influences the climate in Galicia, resulting in mild temperatures and frequent precipitation, especially in the coastal areas. These conditions are favorable for the production of fresh, vibrant white wines that have established the region's reputation.

Traditional wine growing methods, such as pergolas and espaliers, are widely used in the vineyards of Galicia. These systems provide adequate sunlight and air circulation around the vines, which is vital for disease prevention and the ripening process.

Galicia's vineyards are often surrounded by an abundance of native plants and trees, contributing to the region's biodiversity. This supports the natural balance in the vineyards and often has a beneficial effect on the health of the vines.

Grapes

The albariño, treixadura, torrontés and loureira grapes have naturally developed into the perfect partner for shellfish and crustaceans, while the heartier dishes inland call for the traditional Ribeiro and Valdeorras wines.

Wines

The most notable and distinctive wine from Galicia is Albariño, a white wine produced in the Rías Baixas sub-region. Albariño wines are known for their fresh, vibrant taste and aromas of citrus, green apple and peach, and they are often associated with seafood because of their excellent combination.

Another notable wine from Galicia is Godello, a white grape variety used to produce fresh, balanced white wines, mostly in Valdeorras and Monterrei. These wines often have mineral notes and aromas of white flowers and ripe fruit.

For red wines, Mencia is the most important grape variety, especially in the Bierzo region. Mencia wines typically have lively acidity, notes of red fruit and some spiciness.

Galicia is also known for its unique white wine production process called "albariza," where the grapes are grown on stone terraces and protected from the salty sea breeze by stone walls. This contributes to the special terroir effects in the wine.

In short, the wines from Galicia represent a compelling mix of flavors and traditions that make the region an important center for wine production in Spain. The region's cool, maritime influences and diversity of microclimates contribute to the variety and quality of Galicia's wines.

Galicia also has its own cheeses: Tetilla (= Spanish for "breast"), with its suggestive name and shape; Arzua from La Coruña and Lugo, San Simón from Villalba in Lugo and Cebreiro from Puerto del Cebreiro in Lugo. These are all cow's milk cheeses.

Because Galicia borders the Atlantic Ocean on two sides, its gastronomy is very focused on fish and shellfish. The steep northwest coast hides a number of small fishing villages in addition to the larger ports. The local specialties are percebes (barnacles) and the more common oyster, mussel, crab, lobster, shells and shrimp. One can also find all kinds of saltwater fish and lampreys which are abundant in the rivers at certain times of the year. Inland, the cuisine becomes heavier and more meat is used (pig trotters, ham, duck) and traditional Northern Spanish specialties: chorizo (spicy sausage) and callos (tripe).

Vineyards

The vineyards in Galicia have a remarkable terroir diversity. Galicia is home to different microclimates and soil types in its different sub-regions, leading to a wide range of wine styles. Whether you're looking for refreshing white wines, robust red wines or somewhere in between, Galicia has it all.

The influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean is unmistakable. The cool, moist sea air influences the climate in Galicia, resulting in mild temperatures and frequent precipitation, especially in the coastal areas. These conditions are favorable for the production of fresh, vibrant white wines that have established the region's reputation.

Traditional wine growing methods, such as pergolas and espaliers, are widely used in the vineyards of Galicia. These systems provide adequate sunlight and air circulation around the vines, which is vital for disease prevention and the ripening process.

Galicia's vineyards are often surrounded by an abundance of native plants and trees, contributing to the region's biodiversity. This supports the natural balance in the vineyards and often has a beneficial effect on the health of the vines.

Grapes

The albariño, treixadura, torrontés and loureira grapes have naturally developed into the perfect partner for shellfish and crustaceans, while the heartier dishes inland call for the traditional Ribeiro and Valdeorras wines.

Wines

The most notable and distinctive wine from Galicia is Albariño, a white wine produced in the Rías Baixas sub-region. Albariño wines are known for their fresh, vibrant taste and aromas of citrus, green apple and peach, and they are often associated with seafood because of their excellent combination.

Another notable wine from Galicia is Godello, a white grape variety used to produce fresh, balanced white wines, mostly in Valdeorras and Monterrei. These wines often have mineral notes and aromas of white flowers and ripe fruit.

For red wines, Mencia is the most important grape variety, especially in the Bierzo region. Mencia wines typically have lively acidity, notes of red fruit and some spiciness.

Galicia is also known for its unique white wine production process called "albariza," where the grapes are grown on stone terraces and protected from the salty sea breeze by stone walls. This contributes to the special terroir effects in the wine.

In short, the wines from Galicia represent a compelling mix of flavors and traditions that make the region an important center for wine production in Spain. The region's cool, maritime influences and diversity of microclimates contribute to the variety and quality of Galicia's wines.

Galicia also has its own cheeses: Tetilla (= Spanish for "breast"), with its suggestive name and shape; Arzua from La Coruña and Lugo, San Simón from Villalba in Lugo and Cebreiro from Puerto del Cebreiro in Lugo. These are all cow's milk cheeses.

Maria Ardona, Trousseau or Trousseau Noir, also known as Bastardo and Merenzao, is an ancient variety of red wine grape native to eastern France. It is grown in large quantities in many parts of Western Europe; the largest plantations today can be found in Portugal, where it is most famous to be used in port wine.

What does wine from the Maria Ardona grape taste like?

It makes deep cherry-red wines with high alcohol content and high acidity, and aromas of red berries, often complemented - depending on production - with a choppy nose and an organic, mossy minerality.