2024 Emilio Moro El Zarzal

Bodegas Emilio Moro and the development of El Bierzo

Bodegas Emilio Moro is primarily known for its red wines from Ribera del Duero, but for years they have been developing a series of refined white wines at El Bierzo. The house launched El Zarzal to showcase the freshness and pure expression of Godello. It is a wine in which the grape's identity takes center stage, with a style carefully crafted around tension, aromatic precision, and subtle complexity.

Although the family business has deep roots in Ribera del Duero, the move to Bierzo fits perfectly with their philosophy: making wines that reflect the soul of the terroir without excess. The cool altitude, mature soils, and natural elegance of Godello create a beautiful contrast with the power of their Tempranillo wines. El Zarzal has quickly become one of the most highly regarded white wines in their portfolio.

The location and terroir of Bierzo

El Zarzal comes from El Bierzo, a region known for its mountainous landscape, stony soils, and diverse microclimates. The high-altitude vineyards are constantly exposed to fresh air and significant temperature variations between day and night. This helps keep Godello's aromas clear and preserves its natural acidity.

The soils consist of a mix of slate, clay, and mineral sediments. This structure creates tension in the wine and contributes to the subtle, chalky mouthfeel so characteristic of modern Godello from Bierzo. El Zarzal is made from 100% Godello and focuses entirely on finesse, structure, and citrus-driven freshness.

The 2024 wine year in Bierzo

The 2024 growing season was strongly influenced by an exceptionally wet spring with abundant rainfall and moderate temperatures. This required extra attention to the health of the vines. The summer was quite different: the rain stopped and temperatures rose rapidly, resulting in accelerated ripening of the Godello. Thanks to healthy spring growth and the sudden heat in summer, the harvest was brought in early with excellent balance and aromatic concentration.

The 2024 vintage is therefore both fresh and ripe: aromatically expressive, elegant, and with plenty of mineral tension. These characteristics make it a particularly successful edition of El Zarzal. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Godello in its purest form

Godello is known for its aromatic depth, fresh structure, and ability to combine texture with elegance. In 2024, the grape reveals itself to be exceptionally pure: white fruit, subtle citrus, and fresh floral notes form the heart of the wine. Behind these lie soft herbal hints such as fennel and a subtle balsamic note.

Grown at altitude in Bierzo, the grape develops a distinct mineral undertone and always retains a fresh tension. El Zarzal 2024 is a perfect illustration of how Godello can be both round and taut, with a balance that makes the wine both gastronomically interesting and versatile.

Vinification and maturation

El Zarzal 2024 was fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve the pure expression of fruit and flowers. Alcoholic fermentation was followed by maturation on the lees in large French oak foudres. This combination gives the wine texture and depth without overt oak notes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The maturation on the lees slightly softens the acidity and adds a creamy touch to the elegant structure. The use of large casks adds finesse and a subtle oxygen exchange, adding complexity to the wine without losing its freshness.

Color, aroma and taste of El Zarzal 2024

The color is bright straw yellow with greenish reflections. The nose reveals fresh aromas of white fruit and citrus, complemented by floral nuances, fennel, and a subtle mineral and balsamic base. This combination gives the wine both tension and aromatic depth. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

On the palate, the wine is fresh, round, and precise. The acidity is beautifully integrated, providing length and vibrancy. The mouthfeel is soft and slightly creamy thanks to the lees aging, while the finish remains long, mineral, and clean. El Zarzal 2024 displays a perfect balance of freshness, structure, and elegance.

Maturation potential

El Zarzal 2024 is already excellent to drink, but it has sufficient structure to further develop over the next three to five years. The fresh acidity and subtle depth of the Godello allow the wine to gradually develop more spicy and honeyed nuances without losing its elegance.

Would you like to order Emilio Moro wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. (https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons)

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your meal? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. (https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy)

Wine and food pairings

• Grilled sea bass with lemon and fennel. The wine's freshness complements the light herbs perfectly.
• Cod with creamy leek sauce. The dish's round texture complements the wine's soft, creamy texture.
• Chicken fillet with citrus herbs and sage. The Godello's tension enhances the aromatic herbs.
• Pasta with shrimp and green herbs. The fresh acidity keeps the dish beautifully balanced.
• Ravioli with ricotta and lemon zest. The subtle creaminess enhances the wine's finesse.