La Salvación 2023 D.O. Bierzo – Old-Vine Godello

A wine that lives up to its name, La Salvación (“The Salvation”) rescues and celebrates the forgotten century-old Godello vines growing scattered among Mencía in Bierzo’s ancient vineyards. The 2023 vintage continues César Márquez’s mission to restore the soul of these hidden white grapes, offering a singular expression from Arganza, in the northern highlands of the region.

Vineyard & Terroir Grape Variety: 100% Godello

Vineyard Location: Arganza, northern Bierzo

Altitude: 680 meters

Soil: Clay with slate

Age of Vines: Over 100 years

Planting Frame: 1.20 m x 1.20 m (traditional bush vines)

Planting Density: 4,000–7,000 vines/ha

Farming: Dry-farmed, no irrigation

Yield: 2,000–3,000 kg/ha

Harvest Date: First week of September, 2023

Harvest Method: Manual

These rare Godello vines produce tiny, early-ripening bunches, often maturing up to 15 days before younger vineyards, with low pressing yields (less than 50%). The plot in Arganza is regarded as the largest centenary Godello vineyard in Bierzo, at high altitude, preserving freshness and aromatic tension.

Vintage Overview – 2023 A vintage that evokes the character of 2001 and 2021. The year began with cold, rainy winter winds, followed by a warm spring and a cool, stormy early summer. Rainfall reached almost 900 liters/m², promoting slow ripening and vibrant acidity. September brought small clusters and harvests in the rain, but the results were wines of floral delicacy, round texture, and remarkable freshness.

Winemaking Fermentation: In 500-liter French oak barrels

Maceration: None (unlike previous vintages)

Yeasts: Indigenous

Bâtonnage: None

Temperature Control: None

Filtration: None

The grapes were manually picked, destemmed and gently pressed, then fermented without interventions. After aging, the wine rested for an additional 4 months in stainless steel to refine its texture.

Aging Barrel Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels

Post-Barrel Aging: 4 months in stainless steel

Bottling Date: January 3rd, 2025

Technical Details Alcohol: 13%

Production: 7,200 bottles