Pago de los Capellanes started a 2nd winery in Valdeorras to specialize in white wines from the Godello grape. This wine is 100% Godello grown on granitic soils near the village of Codos de Larauco. All grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a cold maceration on the skins to retain optimal aromatics. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats after pressing and removal of the gross lees. When fermentation is complete the wine rests on its lees for 3 months with batonnage (lees stirring) to deliver richness, body and aromatic density.
I love the wines from Bodegas Arrocal, as their vines are in the higher altitude village of Gumiel de Mercado, where diurnal temperature swings produce more refined wines than in much hotter sections of Ribera de Duero, such as around Valladolid. The 2021...
Darkly floral and rich in the glass, the 2020 Friulano Rive Alte Toc Bas wafts up to show crushed peach and chamomile complemented by almond paste. Soothingly soft and round on the palate, this impresses with vividly ripe orchard fruits and a lifting h...
With Diatom, Winemaker Greg Brewer seeks to capture Chardonnay in its most pure and unadulterated state. Diatom is named for diatomaceous earth, which is a plankton fossil found in the oceanic landscape of Santa Barbara County.
"Diatom is motivated by the pursuit of subtraction and refinement. It is the polishing of a grain of rice until one has reached its ultimate inner core. Our Sta. Rita Hills marine landscape is stark and so are the wines of its provenance. We strive for a recognition of place with as little disturbance, distraction or interference as possible. The resulting wines have a sense of transparency and a purity of intent and purpose." Greg Brewer Winemaker
Produced from wire-trained vines that are 15-20 years old. Made from 100% Tinto Fino, this wine develops over about 22 days of cold fermentation. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank and the wine spends about 5 months in new French oak barrels when this is complete.