Case of Albamar Ceibo 2025 | $65.00 per bottle

$65.00 per bottle | $390.00 case of 6

Grape Variety: 100% Godello
Region: D.O. Valdeorras, Galicia, Spain
Producer: Bodegas Albamar (Xurxo Alba)
Aging: Fermented in stainless steel, then 8 months on fine lees in used French oak
Alcohol: 14%

The Origin: Ceibo is the odd one out in Xurxo Alba's range. It's his only white that isn't Albariño, and it comes from inland Galicia, not the coast. The fruit is from a single plot at about 500 metres in Valdeorras, on slate mixed with granite and clay. There the Atlantic climate meets a continental one: warm enough to ripen Godello fully, cool enough at that altitude to keep its acidity. Production is limited.

The Profile: Perfumed and peachy, with jasmine, aniseed, bay leaf and a faint balsamic note, plus a thread of lemon. The palate is round and fleshy, with medium acidity and real presence. The finish is long, with a gentle bitter twist that keeps it from feeling heavy. Think of it as an Atlantic answer to a fine white Burgundy rather than an aromatic white. (Previous vintages: 92 points from Wine Advocate for the 2024, 92+ for the 2023 and 92 for the 2022.)

The Craft: Hand-harvested from organically farmed vines. The wine ferments spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, then ages for eight months on its fine lees in used French oak. The oak adds a creamy texture and some complexity without tasting of wood.

The Pairing: Serve at 10–12°C. Good with roast chicken, pork loin with fennel, mushroom risotto, or grilled prawns in a citrus-herb marinade with toasted hazelnuts. It's drinking now and will gain from a few years in bottle.