José Antonio Garcia godello Viñas Viejas 2022

Jose Antonio Garcia and his wife Julia are undeniably part of the new generation of winemakers in Bierzo. Their passion and pursuit of authenticity and sustainability result in refined wines with a gastronomic impact. During our visit to their estate, we were impressed by their meticulous approach and the careful handling in both the vineyards and the wine cellars.

Jose and Julia own around 17 hectares of vineyards, mainly in the municipality of Valtuille de Abajo and a smaller part in Corúllon. Both municipalities have been linked to Bierzo for generations; even Jose’s parents owned vineyards. They work hard in the vineyards and the winery themselves, which explains the name ‘VITICULTOR’ on their label. When they started their estate, they bought some old vineyards, ranging from 80 to 120 years old, and restored them to their biodiversity. These vines date from an era without the different clones that were created to obtain higher yields. The strength and the result of this reconstruction and age are clearly visible when you walk through their vineyards and compare them with those of their neighbours. Their approach is particularly strict and testifies to self-imposed discipline and perseverance, only local compost is used and only organic growing methods are applied.

This 100% godello is one of the unique white wines that Jose and Julia produce in the region. This wine comes from one of the oldest vineyards in Europe, 160 year old vines from Valtuille de Abajo, dating from the 'pre-genetic-modification' era. This vineyard was planted in 1860 on a lower plot in the municipality at 200 AMASL. These vines are crucial for achieving the unique quality and authenticity in these wines. After manual harvesting and soft, vertical pressing, the juice with the skins is macerated for about 24 hours, without temperature control. This allows the juice to absorb the natural and most primary aromas of the skin, without alcoholic fermentation having started. After this, the juice is transferred to French oak barrels for natural fermentation and after fermentation for about 11 months in the same barrel.

The age of the vineyards, the extremely low yields and the meticulous approach make for a godello that is not comparable to the godello wines that are on the market today. This is a wine of a completely different class and level with a mineral and pure character that is comparable to the greatest crus from Chablis.

Bierzo has had a quality classification in recent years that can be compared to the system in Burgundy: regional, municipal and single vineyards. This wine falls under the regional level. This wine begs for some extra oxygen in its youth, in a wider glass or carafe and even better with pure quality products on the plate.

Domain: José Antonio Garcia
Grape: godello
Country: Spain
Region: Bierzo
Wine style: full white
Wine & food: Carpaccio of Coquille St Jacques with yuzu, vitello tonato, gravad lax, Aspic of farm chicken, smoked eel
Serving temperature: 12°C
Storage: < 7 years consumption
Content: 75 cl