Discover 10 standout Godello and Albariño wines from Galicia, selected by wine expert Genevieve Mc Carthy, with tasting notes and food pairings.
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
It is truly remarkable how two exceptional and increasingly popular white grape varieties – Godello and Albariño – cultivated in the enchanting region of Galicia, northwest Spain, remained relatively unknown outside Spain for so long. Local growers and Spanish connoisseurs have long praised their remarkable qualities. Today, wine enthusiasts worldwide can enjoy these aromatic, delightful, and refreshing wines.
Guide to Galicia Wine Region: Read more
The exact origins of Albariño and Godello grapes are debated. For many years, a popular theory suggested that monks brought Albariño to Galicia from northern European vineyards in the Middle Ages. However, more recent research points instead to the grape having deep roots in Galicia and northwest Iberia. The Rías Baixas region in western Galicia is Albariño’s natural home and comprises five distinctive sub-zones: Val do Salnés, O Rosal, Condado do Tea, Soutomaior, and Ribeira do Ulla. Godello, by contrast, is most strongly associated with inland Galicia, particularly Valdeorras, though it is also important in neighboring regions such as Ribeira Sacra. Many believe that the finest expressions of Godello come from the Valdeorras D.O., where the grape was rescued from near obscurity during an important revival of plantings in the 1970s.
The comparisons above between Albariño, Godello, and the beloved Sauvignon Blanc hold true to a considerable extent, as all three varieties can yield aromatic and captivating wines with varying degrees of fruitiness. Most Albariño is delicious when young and fresh, though better examples can age remarkably well, particularly wines with extended lees contact. Godello also responds beautifully to lees aging and oak and can develop considerable complexity with several years in bottle.
Albariño is perhaps closer in style to Riesling, with its lively acidity and aromatic character. Godello is quite a different animal: softer, broader and often slightly spicy, with a texture that can sometimes recall Chardonnay. Both are superb food wines, particularly with Galicia’s wonderful seafood. Scallops, shellfish and grilled fish are obvious matches – and very hard to beat.
Best forWine enthusiasts
One of the undisputed Kings of Godello production, winemaker Rafael Palacios has crafted a Godello to rival the world’s finest white wines. Vinified and matured in French oak foudres, this example from the Valdeorras region shows high complexity, elegance, and finesse. Expect tropical fruit, a smooth texture, and a smoky finish!
Best forNear-term drinking
This beautifully balanced, clean Godello from Valdesil shows lovely citrus and pineapple fruit, underpinned by dependable Godello freshness and acidity. Smooth, elegant, and moreish—what more could you ask from a white wine?
Today, this small estate produces some of Galicia’s best Godello from the Ribeira Sacra region, crafting an unoaked but weighty Godello that shows peach and almond notes—smooth, aromatic, and delicious.
Further information
Best forEveryday drinking
An energetic, crisp, pungent Godello from the respected Godeval estate in Valdeorras. Expect complex citrus, grapefruit, lanolin, and spicy herbal notes – a vibrant wine with a durable mineral finish and a brilliant accompaniment for salmon or Asian cuisine
Best forDrinking now
Telmo Rodriguez is one of Spain’s superstars, making excellent wines in many of the country’s best wine regions. His work in Valdeorras has produced spectacular results: Gaba do Xil O Barreiro is a serious, fleshy wine of real depth and complexity. Expect floral, pear, citrus, and lemongrass notes.
Galicia’s long-established Albariño pro – the so-called father of Albariño – Santiago Ruiz releases excellent and great value Rías Baixas whites year after year. Floral aromas are complemented by wonderful citrus, apple, and pear flavors – delicious with shellfish.
Best forEveryday drinking
Undoubtedly one of Galicia’s finest estates today, Adegas Galegas was established in 1995 and continues to produce top-class wines. Veigadares is aromatically sophisticated, balanced, and refined, with powerful green fruit and mineral flavors.
Best forDrink now
Fillaboa was established in Galicia decades ago and remains a consistently impressive producer of pungent, crowd-pleasing Albariño from its estate vineyards. Even in weaker vintages, these wines are dependable, displaying classic pineapple, apple, and citrus notes.
Best forReady to drink
A widely awarded bodega that produces excellent quality wines at affordable prices. Their Albariño is a bright, fresh, modern example from the region, offering intense grapefruit, citrus, and rose petal aromas. An all-time classic.
Best forCellaring
A historic family estate, Zárate makes a range of Albariños, including the thoroughly modern and stylish Tras da Viña, which spends 24 months on its fine lees. It is an unusually rich and complex Albariño, with yeasty notes and a creamy texture that complements the classic citrus fruit.
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Les wilsonsays:
April 6, 2020 at 10:35 pm
I am a lover of godello and alberino wines and drink a lot in U.K. You show 5 godello wines, could these be purchased through an agent
via collinssays:
September 19, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Day one on a Spanish trip, and I hit paydirt at first lunch. At Bardot, which I recommend highly, I ordered the Valdesil 2011 to accompany my arroz de mariscos. Both were tear-inducingly good. I need more of this grape in my life!
Mary O'Connorsays:
August 12, 2013 at 7:09 am
Great picks on the Godellos...I'm a big fan of the grape variety and especially love your top two picks, the Louro do Bolo and the Valdesil.
Maria Roddysays:
August 8, 2013 at 3:56 pm
Could we find some of these in the USA?