Spain — wine

Monterrei DO

Galicia's southernmost and warmest DO; Miño River valley bordering Portugal near Verín. Sheltered from Atlantic influence by surrounding mountains; drier and warmer than Rías Baixas. Godello (white) and Mencía (red) are the star varieties — Godello producing rich, textured whites; Mencía fresh, mineral reds. Schist and granite soils; undiscovered gem of NW Spain.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Warm sheltered valley conditions; Godello achieved maximum richness; Mencía showed vibrant red cherry freshness
2021 Good season; Monterrei's warmth advantage delivered ripe Godello while Atlantic influence added freshness
2020 Classic Monterrei profile; Godello textured and aromatic; Mencía fresh and mineral from schist soils
2019 Excellent conditions; Gargalo Godello from this year praised for weight and complexity; benchmark vintage
2018 Variable Atlantic weather in Galicia; Monterrei's sheltered position fared better than coastal appellations
2017 Good conditions; Mencía from this year showing characteristic violet and mineral; well-structured wines
2016 Outstanding across Galicia; Monterrei Godello from 2016 considered a benchmark for the variety's ageing capacity