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Item Number: 7137
UPC: None
Country: Spain
Region: Galicia
Appellation/AVA: Monterrei DO
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2012
Grape(s): 30% Doña Blanca / 30% Treixadura / 30% Godello / 10% Monstruosa de Monterrei
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13
Viticulture: Certified Organic
Elevation: 1,181 to 2,296 ft.
Case Production: 660
About the Wine: Alanda Blanco is an estate-bottled wine made by Bodegas Quinta da Muradella in the Monterrei DO region. Just above the border of Portugal in northwest Spain, the region of Monterrei was part of an area whose rich geology was once prized by the Romans for mining, notably gold. Ancient findings have confirmed that the Romans are responsible for another of the area’s treasures, vineyards. Winemaker and proprietor Jose Luis Mateo and the highly respected Raul Perez, a consulting enologist, have done excellent work recuperating old vineyards and their efforts have earned accolades from wine publications including The Wine Advocate and Guia Peñin, the most influential and prestigious wine guide in Spain.
Varietal Notes: A blend of Godello, Dona Blanca and Treixadura, this wine is made with grapes sourced from all three districts within Monterrei. Doña Blanca has historically been felt by many to be a lowly grape with no quality potential, similar to Airen, but in the right wine growing and winemaking hands, it can produce startling wines of depth and complexity. Treixadura is a grape featured in many of the best wines from Rias Baixas.
Location Notes: The vineyards are located in Zone 1, towards the interior of Galicia, by the Portuguese border. The Monterrei DO region is divided into two sections from north to south by the Tamega River. The vineyards farmed are 34 unique parcels. The soils are decomposed slate with granite and clay. These combine to contribute minerality, aromatic depth and volume on the palate. The climate is Atlantic (cold and wet) with a Continental influence (in general, extremely hot and dry summers with cold, dry winters). Monterrei is one of the DO regions within Galicia that is furthest from the Atlantic Ocean and its yearly rainfall is below average compared to other regions in Galicia.
Winemaking Notes: Each grape variety is vinified separately in stainless steel tank with no malolactic fermentation. Fermentation occurs naturally utilizing indigenous yeast that live on the skin of the grapes. The Treixadura portion of the blend macerates at cool temperature (39°F) for 2 days. The other two grape varieties do not undergo maceration before fermentation. The wine does not see oak and it is normally bottled in May. The wine is aged in stainless steel tank.
Tasting Notes: Pale, hazy yellow. Musky citrus pith and pear skin aromas are complicated by intense mineral and floral nuances. Dry and chewy on entry, then lithe and focused in the mid-palate, offering sharply focused lemon and pear flavors that put on weight with aeration. Powerful but vibrant, with excellent clarity, finishing on a bitter quinine note.
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