Martín Códax, Rías Baixas Albariño

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.

VINEYARDS

The vineyards are primarily in the Salnés Valley, an average of five kilometres from the sea, ensuring the warm days are moderated by cool nights. The warm temperatures produce ripeness and full citrus and apricot fruit, while the colder temperatures at night ensure fresh, pure Albariño aromatics. The soils are granitic and the vines are trained on a traditional horizontal trellis system known as ‘Emparrado’ which is similar to pergola.

VINTAGE

Fluctuating temperatures in spring affected bud burst and flowering. Yields were down as a result, but the remaining berries were small and concentrated. Cooler temperatures throughout the summer have meant that the grapes have retained refreshing acidity.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed and then carefully pressed. The wine was then fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel vats at 16-18oC and underwent partial (60%) malolactic fermentation. It was then rested for four months on its fine lees which gave a smooth, almost creamy texture to the wine.

TASTING NOTES

This wine is pale lemon in colour. The nose is full of ripe fruity notes married with elegant aromas of fresh herbs, green apples, citrus fruit and grapefruit. The palate is refreshing and zesty with great flavour intensity which persists on the long finish.