“Alvaredos-Hobbs celebrates a region rich with tradition, producing wines from the indigenous grapes of Ribeira Sacra, such as godello and mencía, that grow on steep hillside vineyards along the Sil River.”
2021 Alvaredos-Hobbs Godello, D.O. Ribeira Sacra
One of the oldest varieties of the Iberian Peninsula, godello is a white grape indigenous to Galicia and highly regarded for its delicate texture and medium-high acidity. An early-ripened variety, it thrives in dry sites and well-drained soils, and is characterized by its small-sized berries and closely packed bunches. It is recognized for making age-worthy wines.
- Region: D.O. Ribeira Sacra
- Varietal composition: 96% Godello, 4% Loureiro
- Harvest date: September 14 – October 1
- Fermentation & aging: Aged 10 months sur lies with periodic bâtonnage in 500L barrels and 2,500L tight grain, thick stave foudre
- Bottled: Unfined and unfiltered, August 17, 2022
Tasting notes: Pale straw in color with enticing aromas of fresh white florals, white nectarine, and red haven peach coupled with underlying nuances of damp
earth and grey slate. On the palate, the wine presents both stone and pomaceous fruit in a strikingly seductive elixir, boasting a well-balanced viscosity which is fortified by a crisp, mineral backbone that lends tension through to a long, crystalline, and delightfully vibrant finish.
“While salinity prowls the upper palate, a creamy base of lemon verbena and cashew line the back of the tongue. Orange blossoms and a glossing of chamomile are held high by a grassy, lean profile. With lifted acidity, it finishes with notes of crisp, chilled pears.” – 94pts, Tasting Panel Magazine
2021 Alvaredos-Hobbs Mencía, D.O. Ribeira Sacra
Native to the northwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula, mencía is known for its thick skins and dark fruit and floral characteristics. When planted in hillside regions with poor soils the vines thrive to produce beautifully structured, age-worthy aromatic red wines.
- Region: D.O. Ribeira Sacra
- Varietal composition: 90% Mencía, 10% Garnacha Tintorera
- Harvest dates: October 2 – 11
- Fermentation & aging: Fermented using native yeasts and aged 12 months in oak barrels (225L), 35% new oak
- Bottled: Unfined and unfiltered, August 22, 2023
Tasting notes: Deep crimson hued with violet undertones in appearance, the 2021 vintage opens with intriguing, well-delineated aromas of ripe, juicy mulberry and Queen Anne cherry that give way to fragrant yet subtle notes of cedar and aromatic bay leaf. Beautifully balanced, with structural support provided by
a vein of long, silky, black tea-like tannin and a touch of mineral-like salinity which adds tension through to an elegant, energetic finish.
“Herbal undertones of sage and eucalyptus enhance the wine’s plummy aromatics. Blue fruits deepen to purple plum and black cherry, surrounded by black tea tannins. Structure exists within its approachable frame while an earthy mid-palate forecasts a savory finish of dried violets and charred oak.” – 96pts, Tasting Panel
Label
Combining ancient tradition with a modern expression, our label pays homage to the unique history of Alvaredos and the region of Galicia.
- The arches topped by spires take inspiration from the Romanesque churches, monasteries, and chapels found throughout the region.
- The bright gold exemplifies the arrival of the Romans who sought gold in the nearby rivers. Romans were the first to cultivate the region, and began planting grapes on these steep slopes, including in the village of Alvaredos.
- The dark gray background represents the slate content in the soils of the region, which help to retain heat and provide drainage in the vineyards.