Michelini i Mufatto MA Godello 2022

Region and Vineyards

This wine comes from the D.O. Bierzo, located in northwestern Spain. The grapes are grown in the villages of Villalibre de la Jurisdicción and Priaranza del Bierzo, nestled at an altitude of 570 meters above sea level. The region is known for its diverse soils, moderate climate, and historic vineyards.

The vineyard spans just 1.3 hectares and features 80-year-old, free-standing head-trained vines of Godello. Cultivated under organic farming practices, the vines are dry-farmed, relying solely on natural rainfall, which encourages the development of deeply rooted vines. The soil is a unique combination of clay and quartz, with a north-facing orientation, enhancing the freshness and minerality in the grapes.

Winemaking

The 2022 vintage experienced a mild spring followed by a dry summer, resulting in early ripening and highly expressive fruit. Grapes were hand-harvested in September, ensuring optimal ripeness and preserving their natural integrity.

Winemaking began with a direct press, followed by spontaneous fermentation in 228-liter French oak barrels. To preserve the wine's purity and texture, no remounting or bâtonnage was performed during the process. The wine aged for 20 to 24 months in the same barrels, in constant contact with its lees, enhancing its depth and complexity. It was bottled unfiltered in April 2023, with a total production of only 1,200 bottles.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright yellow with golden reflections, clear and luminous.
• Aromas: Expressive and layered, featuring notes of green apple, pear, and citrus zest, complemented by subtle hints of white flowers and wet stone.
• Palate: Fresh and vibrant, with a silky texture and flavors of lemon curd, ripe peach, and a saline finish. The wine’s vibrant acidity and mineral backbone contribute to a long, precise finish.

Did you know?

Godello is an ancient Spanish grape variety, often described as one of Spain’s finest white wine grapes. These 80-year-old vines represent a living heritage of Bierzo’s winemaking tradition, producing wines of extraordinary character and depth.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Galician-style hake with potatoes: Complements the wine’s minerality and vibrant acidity.
• Clams in white wine sauce: Matches the wine’s saline finish and citrus notes.
• Grilled zucchini and goat cheese tart: Highlights the wine’s creamy texture and herbal nuances.
• Aged Manchego cheese: Balances the wine’s structure and bright fruit profile.

History of Michelini i Mufatto

The history of Michelini i Mufatto began with the family’s passion for exploring unique terroirs and their fascination with the diversity of Spain’s Bierzo region. Originally from Argentina, the Michelini brothers, well-known for their innovative approaches in South American winemaking, joined forces with the Mufatto family to establish their winery in Bierzo in 2015.

Their journey started with the discovery of neglected and ancient vineyards scattered across Bierzo, some of which dated back over a century. They were drawn to the region’s potential for producing wines that balance elegance with intensity. Their work has focused on restoring abandoned pre-phylloxera vines and preserving native varieties like Mencía, Godello, and Doña Blanca.

The families embraced organic farming and low-intervention practices, avoiding synthetic chemicals and emphasizing the importance of natural ecosystems. The winery also adopts a thoughtful approach to winemaking, using amphoras and neutral oak barrels to craft wines that express the essence of Bierzo’s terroir. Today, Michelini i Mufatto is recognized as a leader in sustainable and expressive winemaking, with a reputation for producing limited-production, high-quality wines.

Region and Vineyards

The Bierzo region, located in the northwestern province of León, is known for its diverse microclimates and ancient vineyards. Nestled at the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains, Bierzo benefits from a unique combination of Atlantic and Mediterranean climates. This mix results in warm days and cool nights, creating optimal conditions for producing fresh, aromatic, and well-structured wines.

Michelini i Mufatto works with a network of vineyards spread across villages such as Santalla del Bierzo, Valdecañada, Villafranca del Bierzo, and Cacabelos. These vineyards, situated at altitudes ranging from 200 to 700 meters, reflect the region’s diversity of terroirs. The soils vary from slate and quartz, which contribute minerality and vibrancy, to clay and alluvial soils, which provide richness and structure.

A hallmark of their vineyards is the age of the vines, many of which are between 60 and 180 years old, and are trained in the traditional gobelet style. These old vines are cultivated under organic farming principles, emphasizing biodiversity, soil health, and natural rainfall. The winery's commitment to preserving these heritage vineyards ensures the continuation of Bierzo’s rich viticultural legacy.

Wine Range of Michelini i Mufatto

Michelini i Mufatto produces a carefully curated portfolio of wines, each showcasing the character of Bierzo’s terroirs and native grape varieties:

• Post Crucifixion: A rare and historic wine from a 180-year-old pre-phylloxera vineyard, blending native red and white varieties for an extraordinary expression of Bierzo.
• Encrucijada: A blend of native grape varieties from high-altitude vineyards, delivering complexity and elegance.
• MA Series: Includes Doña Blanca and Godello, focusing on the region’s old-vine white grapes with mineral-driven profiles.
• A Merced: A single-vineyard Mencía wine showcasing the depth and finesse of high-altitude viticulture.
• En El Camino: A village wine that highlights the vibrancy of Mencía and other native varieties from diverse plots.

Did you know?

Michelini i Mufatto uses traditional winemaking techniques like fermentation in clay amphoras and neutral oak aging to enhance the natural character of their wines. Their approach prioritizes purity, allowing the unique features of Bierzo’s soils and climate to shine.