# Martín Códax Albariño (NV)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Martín Códax
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Albariño
- **Region:** Galicia, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €14
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, lime, peach, apricot, blossom, apple, pear, saline, wet stones, biscuit, cream

## About this wine

Bodegas Martín Códax was founded in 1986 in Cambados, the capital of the Val do Salnés sub-region in Rías Baixas, Galicia. Named after the famous 13th-century Galician troubadour whose poems celebrated love and the sea, the winery was established as a cooperative by a group of local grape growers. Over the decades, it has grown to become the benchmark producer of Albariño, instrumental in securing the global reputation of the Rías Baixas appellation. The vineyards are planted on small parcels close to the Atlantic coast, where the cool maritime climate and granite soils shape the unique character of the grapes.

## Interesting facts

- Named after a 13th-century Galician troubadour whose medieval parchment scrolls were discovered inside a book binding in 1914.
- Founded as a cooperative by 270 local families, it remains a symbol of Galician collective pride and community spirit.
- The vineyards are grown on traditional 'parra' pergolas, keeping the grapes off the damp ground to prevent rot in the humid Atlantic climate.

## Food pairing

The high natural acidity and distinct saline minerality of this Albariño make it an exceptional partner for seafood. The acidity cuts through the richness of fried or buttered dishes, while its coastal salinity acts as a natural flavor enhancer for fresh shellfish and raw fish.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process is designed to preserve the maximum primary fruit expression and natural freshness of the Albariño grape. Grapes are harvested by hand to ensure optimal quality. Upon arrival at the winery, they undergo gentle pressing followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. To enhance the wine's texture, volume, and complexity without losing its signature crispness, the wine is aged on its fine lees for several months before stabilization and bottling.