Category: Rias Baixas

Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain, White wines

Burgans Albariño 2009

Vera C.

Producer: Martín Códax
Winemaker: Luciano Amoedo Rodino
Grape:Albariño
Region: Rias Baixas

See other wines from this producer:
Martín Códax Albariño

Bodegas Martín Códax, founded in 1985, is located in the historical town of Cambados in Pontevedra. Here, in the very heart of the Salnés Valley, is the home of the Albariño grape. Bodegas Martín Códax takes its name from a 13th-century local troubadour.

Bodegas Martín Códax is a cooperative of 285 members. Unusual in the area, Códax only uses its own estate grapes, rather than buying them from local growers. The winemaker, Luciano Amoedo Rodino, was also the founder of the “Rías Baixas” Denomination of Origin (appellation), and is an eminent wine professional.They produce three different brands of white wines – Códax, Burgáns and Organistrum – and uses 100% Albariño.

Catalan winemaker Miguel Torres claims that Albariño is a cousin of Riesling. He believes that it was brought over to Spain by German Pilgrims, making their way to Santiago de Compostela. The local regulatory council disagree, but what everyone agrees upon is that the grape is one of Spain’s noble varietals.

This wine is a modern style Albariño, fully fermented in stainless steel tanks, under controlled cold temperatures. That guarantees to preserve all of the aromas, flavors and freshness so typical of this variety.

What’s also good to know: this wine is meant to be drank fresh, so I would look for the freshest vintage 2009-2010.

Tasting notes:
Lovely aroma of fresh citrus, tropical fruits that reminds me of sweet summer breeze from the ocean. On the palate this light golden wine taste slightly off dry (although I was told in the wine store that it’s dry), yet crisp with enough acidity.

Nicely balanced, full of citrus, lime and white peach flavors. Definitely good value and excellent alternative to let’s say Pinot Grigio!

Dry – Off dry – Medium sweet – Sweet
Light – Medium – Full body 
No oak – Aged in oak
Retail price: under $ 14.00

Ideal food pairing:
seafood dishes such as seafood salad,  Shrimp Criolli,  Angel hair pasta with spicy seafood, My happy tilapia and many more….

Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain, White wines

Martín Códax Albariño 2008

Vera C.

Winemaker: N/A
Grape: 100% Albariño
Region: Rias Baixas, Spain

Martín Códax Albariño takes its name from a 13th century Galician minstrel whose poems evoke the gallant love and passion for the sea. The canticles by “Martín Códax” are the oldest of all the Galician-Portuguese poems to preserve their original music.The manuscript, known as the “Vindel Parchment”, is preserved in the Morgan Library in New York. When you uncork the bottle, there are a little notes printed on the cork (I don’t know for sure if it’s the part of the original manuscript though…)

Albariño is number one drank white wine in Spain, considered as one of the finest white wines in the world. Martín Códax ‘s vineyards average 30 years old vines and are located in Rias Baixas in Southern Spain.

It is the region around the river that separates Spain and Portugal. This region produces some of the most aromatic wines.

Tasting notes:
Pale straw yellow in color, this wine has a complex, well integrated aroma of apricots, nuts, honey and apples. Light to medium bodied, it offers dry, subtle flavors of tart lemon, grapefruit, melon and green apples. It is wonderfully balanced with plenty of crisp acidity and a good citrus finish.

Dry – Off dry – Medium sweet – Sweet
Light – Medium – Full body
No oak – Aged in oak
Retail price: under $ 20.00

Ideal food pairing:
seafood salad, shrimp in mustard sauce, Paella, Aromatic chicken with limes and oranges, Chinese food, Indian food,