Bodegas Terras Guada, Rías Baixas, 2021

In general, the temperatures throughout the vegetative cycle were high, causing an early start to the budding and resulting in a flowering that was 10 days earlier than usual. The summer rains were scarce and the top temperature in July was extremely high within a succession of heatwaves that led to the dehydration of the grapes in the most exposed areas, which, in turn, slightly reduced the final weight of the bunches. August and September were mild with little rainfall maintaining the advance in the phenological stages and achieving an excellent ripening on all the varietals, with well-balanced musts, soft acidity, and exceptionally long, full-bodied, meaty, and very lively wines.

Tasting Notes: With its perfect blend of varietals, Terras Gauda is a highly complex wine, in which the predominant aromas of mandarin, orange peel, and ripe melon intermingle with the pleasant and subtle mineral, earthy, and orange blossom notes. This vintage shows an impressively powerful structure, character, and meatiness, filling the palate with its voluminous and velvety mouthfeel. It is also fresh, cheerful, and very lively. Its intense flavor is accompanied by mineral and creamy sensations that give it even more character.

The aromas on the palate and the long, intense finish reflect the excellent ripeness of the 2020 vintage. This wine gives us two seemingly contradictory characteristics: it is complex yet easy to drink.

Food Pairing: The wine is rich on the palate and deserves seafood, especially oysters and crab, perfect with creamy dishes, rice, and Asian cuisine with rich sauces.