Taste Northwest Spain with Pagos de Galir Wines and Tapas   

My latest discoveries in the never-ending journey of wine are two delicious selections from Pagos de Galir (sent as samples), produced by Virgen del Galir located in DO Valdeorras, an appellation in Galicia, a region found in the northwest corner of Spain. The name Valdeorras means “Valley of Gold”, a term considered an homage to the endeavors of ancient Romans who mined the region for this treasured metal. Subsequently, they planted vineyards that flourished for years. Click here for more about this distinctive region.

Most vineyards in Valdeorras are found on the banks of the river Sil and the terrain in the area is flat or slightly hilly. With a mixture of Atlantic, continental and unique micro-climates in the Sil valley, vineyards receive plenty of sun and warmth during the short summer. Annual rainfall may be high and temperatures often plummet to below zero degrees in the winter. Frost and hail are often experienced in the spring and excessive heat is prevalent in the summer.

Virgen del Galir was founded in 2002 in Éntoma, a small village in Orense, Galicia, Northern Spain. As opposed to other vineyards in Valdeorras, Virgen del Galir is located at an altitude of over 600 meters in a valley of the Galir River. The property is 20 hectares on soil of decomposed schist on terraces. Sent as samples were two wines of the region’s indigenous varieties: Godello and Mencia.

The Godello grape is a white grape believed to have originated in the specific region of Valdeorras. It thrives in dry sites and tends to grow more vigorously than its Galician neighbor, Albarino. In general, Godello presents rich minerality and intense, concentrated aromas and flavors. Mencia, a red variety, is known for its fruit forward, aromatic profile, yet grapes cultivated in older vineyards on schist soils produce a dense, concentrated wine.

Pagos de Galir Godello 2017 ($17), is of 100% Godello grapes cultivated in the steep, high altitude vineyards on predominantly slate soil in sunny Éntoma.  After hand-picking, the grapes went through a pre-fermentation cold maceration process, an alcoholic fermentation in controlled temperatures and ageing for five months on its lees prior to bottling. On the nose, the wine burst with intense aromas of lemon curd, ripe pears, lime, apricot, hint of butter cream, herbs, salinity and minerality. Mouthwatering acidity and a round mouthfeel framed notes of white flowers, ripe citrus, herbs and butter. The lingering, zesty finish was absolutely delightful and guaranteed is your love for this wine with your favorite recipe for roast chicken, grilled sardines on crostini, or mixed olive tapenade.

It took no time to realize that a delicious pairing with tapas is Pagos de Galir Mencia 2016 ($17). Manually harvested from vineyards on schist and chalk soil, this wine underwent a pre-fermentation cold maceration process followed by alcoholic fermentation in controlled temperatures. It was aged in American and French oak barrels for six months then spent six months in the bottle before release.

Wafting from the glass were rich aromas of chocolate, black cherries, espresso, black raspberries, anise and the slightest hint of eucalyptus. The broad palate, framed with soft tannins and medium acidity, exuded rustic notes of luscious blackberries and dark plums with bright minerality on the finish.  Consider serving your guests hearty tapas that include a cheese and charcuterie board (manchego and jamon, of course!), chorizo in red wine served with crusty bread, or juicy pork chops, potatoes, and grilled tomatoes for pairing.

Cheers! ~ Cindy