Castelo do Papa, Valdeorras DO (Spain) Godello 2021

The Godello grape is grown most notably in the region of Valdeorras in northwestern Spain.  When well-made, it offers a combination of fruit and textural elements that make it a most satisfying drink.  The 2021 Castelo do Papa Valdeorras Godello is a lovely example of the grape’s charms.  The grapes were planted in 1983 in terraced vineyards on slate and granite soils.  The low yields from spare soils give wines of considerable concentration.  The bouquet of the 2021 Godello is expressive and enticing with vivid orange, peach and melon fruit scents interwoven with elements of jasmine, ginger and honey.  On the palate, it shows layered and pure flavors of peach, tangerine and ripe apple backed by floral and honey nuances plus a rich texture that enhances the long, minerally-clean finish.  The Castelo do Papa Godello is not only clean and bright enough to pair with seafood, but also sufficiently full-bodied to serve with chicken and pork recipes.