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