Martín Códax, 'Organistrum' Rías Baixas Albariño 2016

PRODUCER

Martín Códax was founded in 1986 by a group of winemakers led by 9th generation winemaker Luciano Amodeo. Today it comprises around 2,400 tiny vineyard parcels managed by 550 families in Rías Baixas. It has become the largest producer in Galicia with 450 hectares of vineyard planted with Albariño, representing 13% of the total Rías Baixas DO. The co-operative was instrumental in the creation of the Rías Baixas DO in 1988 (the statutes were signed at the winery) and has championed and conducted extensive research into the Albariño variety. Named after the medieval Galician poet and musician Martín Códax, the winery has strong links to local art and music.

VINEYARDS

The Albariño Organistrum is made with grapes that come from a selected plot that faces south-west and is located at 110 metres above sea level. The grapes from this vineyard usually ripen sooner than the rest of their plots. The grapes are chosen in order to make a wine that will improve after ageing in barriques.

VINTAGE

2016 surpassed expectations, having started with rain and potential issues with mildew during flowering, it improved with spectacular weather in August. Hot, sunny days allowed grapes to ripen well and a healthy harvest was produced.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were picked by hand into 20 kilogram plastic crates. On arrival at the winery, they were destemmed and pressed. Alcoholic fermentation took place between 16-18oC in stainless steel vats. The fermentation was completed in French oak barrels from Allier (300-500 litres), and malolactic fermentation followed. The wine was kept on it's lees for approximately a year in stainless- steel tanks before bottling.

TASTING NOTES

This wine is straw yellow in colour with youthful highlights. Vanilla notes dominate on the nose, along with floral notes, and smokey wood hints from the ageing in barriques. Lemon, grapefruit and white stone fruits come through on the powerful, full-bodied palate, which has well-balanced acidity and a long finish.