Bodegas Albamar Ceibo Godello 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Valdeorras region in Galicia, Spain, is well-known for its high-quality Godello wines. Located inland, the area is characterized by its warm days and cool nights, a climate ideal for maintaining the freshness and complexity of Godello. The region's slate-rich soils impart a distinctive mineral character to the wines, contributing to their depth and longevity. These mineral-heavy soils are ideal for producing complex wines with fresh acidity and a sense of place.

The Ceibo vineyard is farmed organically, a testament to Bodegas Albamar's commitment to natural and sustainable viticulture. The organic practices in this vineyard enhance the purity of the fruit, and the grapes are harvested by hand to preserve their delicate character. The combination of organic farming and the unique terroir of Valdeorras creates a vibrant and authentic expression of Godello.

Winemaking

The Bodegas Albamar Ceibo Godello is made from 100% Godello grapes that undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. This fermentation takes place in used French oak barrels, adding subtle layers of complexity without overwhelming the wine’s natural flavors. Following fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees for eight months, contributing to its rich texture and enhancing its aromatic profile.

Minimal intervention is practiced, with the wine being bottled without fining, a slight filtration, and only a small addition of SO₂ at bottling. This gentle approach to winemaking allows the inherent qualities of Godello and the Valdeorras terroir to shine, resulting in a wine that is both complex and approachable.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright golden straw with a clear, vibrant rim.
• Aroma: Notes of ripe citrus, white peach, and subtle hints of vanilla and almond from the oak, with a distinct minerality.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a creamy texture, featuring flavors of lemon zest, green apple, and a hint of stone fruit. The finish is long and refreshing, underpinned by a pronounced slate-driven minerality.

Did you know?

Xurxo Alba is dedicated to capturing the essence of Galician terroir, and his approach to producing Godello in Valdeorras allows this variety to express the slate soils and distinct climate. Producing only less than 5,000 liters annually, this wine is a rare and highly sought-after expression of the region.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Galician-Style Grilled Octopus: The wine’s minerality and acidity complement the smokiness of grilled octopus, with the citrus notes enhancing the dish’s flavors.
• Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter: The wine's creamy texture and fresh acidity balance the richness of the scallops and butter, while the citrus notes add brightness.
• Roasted Chicken with Herbs: The subtle oak influence and mineral notes of the Godello enhance the savory, herbaceous flavors of roasted chicken.
• Goat Cheese Crostini with Honey: The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese, while its minerality complements the earthy notes in the goat cheese.

History of Bodegas Albamar

Founded in 2006 by Xurxo Alba, Bodegas Albamar represents the Alba family’s deep roots in winemaking within the Rías Baixas region. Xurxo’s family has cultivated Albariño vines for generations in O Salnés, Rías Baixas, but it was Xurxo’s passion and oenological studies that led him to establish their own wine label. Xurxo Alba’s approach combines respect for Galician winemaking traditions with a drive to push the boundaries of quality and authenticity, showcasing Albariño’s full potential in single-vineyard and experimental bottlings.

Bodegas Albamar remains firmly rooted in Cambados, a town known as the "heart of Albariño." With vineyards next to his family’s restaurant and artisanal food shop, Xurxo’s connection to the land and sea runs deep. His work focuses on minimal intervention, relying on organic practices in the vineyard and native yeasts in the cellar. Over time, Albamar has expanded its offerings, producing Albariños and reds like Mencía that express both the freshness and complex minerality of Galicia.

Region and Vineyards

Bodegas Albamar’s vineyards are located in Rías Baixas, specifically in the sub-region of O Salnés, and some in the steep, terraced hills of Ribeira Sacra. The Rías Baixas vineyards, set on granite-rich soils near the Atlantic Ocean, benefit from cool coastal breezes, providing Albariño grapes with natural acidity, vibrant freshness, and a distinctive saline character. Meanwhile, in Ribeira Sacra, the challenging terrain of granite and schist soils on steep slopes offers ideal conditions for Mencía, producing wines with purity, finesse, and depth.

The Alba family owns around 2.5 hectares but sources additional grapes from neighboring plots in the O Salnés and Ribeira Sacra regions. All vineyards are cultivated organically, respecting both the environment and the traditional practices of Galicia.

Wine Range

Bodegas Albamar’s portfolio centers around Albariño in multiple expressions, from single-vineyard bottlings to unique cuvées that highlight specific terroirs within Rías Baixas. Wines like Alma de Mar, Pepe Luis, and Sesenta e Nove Arrobas exemplify Albariño’s versatility, with each wine showcasing distinct elements of minerality, salinity, and fruit character. Additionally, Albamar produces a red wine, Fusco, a fresh, mineral-driven Mencía that captures the essence of Ribeira Sacra’s terroir.

Each wine is crafted with a minimal intervention philosophy: spontaneous fermentation, no oak or neutral oak aging, and careful handling with low to no sulfites. Xurxo’s focus is to produce wines that are expressive, pure, and true to their origin.

Did you know?

The name Albamar plays on Xurxo’s love for the sea, as it translates to "white by the sea." This connection to the ocean is not only symbolic but also defines his winemaking style—fresh, saline, and vibrant wines that reflect Galicia’s unique coastal terroir.