Luis Varela Alvarez de Toledo Godello 23

The Bierzo Denominación de Origen, nestled in Spain's northwestern province of Castilla y León, is a region steeped in history and natural beauty. Surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic mountain ranges, Bierzo's unique geography creates a gorgeous daily interplay of sunlight and shadow in the region's vineyards. Winemaking tradition here spans centuries and today continues with a harmonious blend of time-honored techniques and modern viticultural advancements.

The core of Bierzo's vinous allure is its terroir—a complex tapestry of slate and schist soils that contributes pronounced minerality to both the region's whites and reds. Rugged, often terraced vineyards present a landscape shaped by nature and years of focused human effort. The distinctive soil structure, the influence of nearby rivers, and a grape-friendly microclimate combine to form the foundation of the region's enduring viticultural traditions.

Bierzo's climate is perhaps the pivotal player in the personality of its wines. The area enjoys a blend of Atlantic freshness and Mediterranean warmth, resulting in cool, dewy mornings and sun-drenched afternoons that allow the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. This delicate balancing act of weather is essential in preserving the natural acidity and vibrant fruit flavors of Bierzo's wines. While the red varietal Mencía dominates many of the vineyards in Bierzo (and the AWM shelves), the region is also well-known for its whites crafted from the Godello.

Godello is swiftly gaining in popularity in Europe and, more recently, here in the States. It's a super-versatile varietal that can mirror Chardonnay's adaptability and talent for expressing its home terroir. In lighter, unoaked expressions, Godello is fresh and crisp in the glass, offering lively brightness framed by mineral undertones thanks to the region's slate soils. Add oak barrels into the equation, and much like Chardonnay, Godello evolves into a richer, more opulent wine with creamy textures and complex layers of fruit and spice.

Alvarez de Toledo family's journey from medieval nobility to passionate viticultural stewards of the Bierzo began in 1514 when Pedro Alvarez de Toledo y Zuñga married Doña Maria Pimentel-Osorio in Ponferrada. The marriage cemented the family's noble line and their generational link to the wine traditions of Bierzo.

Today, the family estate is managed by Angelines Varela Mazón Álvarez de Toledo. She continues to nurture the family's historic vineyards, many of which have been cultivated for over a century. The family continues to focus on the region's two signature grapes, Mencía and Godello.

In your glass, layered aromas of green apple, pear, and citrus are framed by a lovely note of lemon verbena. The leesy texture of the palate presents a mix of orchard fruits, with hints of peach and pear persisting on the palate through the clean and lifted finish.

Alvarez de Toledo Godello shines with any of your favorite Chardonnay or Albariño pairings. Try it alongside grilled white-fleshed fish, shellfish, and your favorite preparations of light tapas. Consider matching the wine with a citrus-herb-infused risotto, a tangy goat cheese and potato tart, or a gently spiced Asian-inspired ceviche for a more adventurous pairing.