Coto de Gomariz Blanco

Coto de Gomariz Blanco is a medium to full-bodied white wine from the Ribeiro appellation in Galicia, Northern Spain. The wine is concentrated and yet surprisingly refreshing which gives it a certain lightness, which is why I classify it as crisp, light white wine. A lovely golden colour, Coto de Gomariz Blanco could also be described as an aromatic white wine as it smells heavenly – think lemon, lime, kiwi fruit and stone fruit like apricots. The Treixadura grapes also brings floral aromas to the wine. On the palate the fruits develop adding white peaches though the finish is zesty lime with a refreshing, stony minerality. Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean can also be detected in a hint of salinity. The texture is the highlight for me – smooth, silky yet fruity and light. This is a really classy wine.

Coto de Gomariz Blanco is produced biodynamically and organically from native Galician grape varieties, Treixadura (70%), Godello, Loureira and Albariño. Just 20% is fermented in oak and there is no ageing in oak so the oak influence is minimal, the wine’s complexity coming from the blend of local grapes, especially the Godello, and from the schist, granite and sandy soils in the vineyards.

The Coto de Gomariz winery was founded in the 1970s but its roots lie much further back in time due to the village’s location and reputation as the “Golden Mile” of the Ribeiro wine region. This means that they have some of the best vineyards in Ribeiro and benefit from some old vines in many of them. The producers exploit this fact by making terroir-focussed white (and red) wines. They have been using organic and biodynamic practices since 2004 and are leading proponents of producing premium and authentic Ribeiro wines.

For a relatively new addition to the Spanish white wine selection, try Val do Galir Godello.

Treixadura produces aromatic yet crisp white wines that are a great match for fish and seafood. All in all this wine is very food-friendly and, given its rather full body, it will also stand up to stronger tasting food.

“This is the white wine that best expresses the “terroir” of Gomariz given that it is made from the most well-adapted white grapes (Treixadura, Godello, Albariño, Loureira) coming from the vines in the parish of Gomariz: O Figueiral, A fonte, Préstimo, Viña Grande, Lavandeira, A Cerrada, Lama de Barco, with clay, schist and sandy granite soils.

Bright, green-tinged yellow. Lively, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit scents are complemented by suave floral and gingery spice qualities. Silky and focused on the palate, offering zesty orange and lemon pith flavors and a touch of bitter quince. Finishes dry and focused, with strong lift and stony persistence.”

For the 2023 vintage:
93 points – RobertParker.com
“It’s serious, balanced and herbal, with some floral notes, elegant and subtle. The palate reveals clean flavors and is dry and tasty with a faint bitterness in the finish.”