Terras Gauda Etiqueta Negra is a splendid white wine crafted by Bodegas Terras Gauda in the DO Rías Baixas.
It is a blend of native grape varieties from this denomination: albariño, loureiro, and caíño blanco, cultivated in the O Rosal Valley, a privileged location at the mouth of the Miño River flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, boasting a moderate climate ideal for viticulture.
The albariño and caíño varieties are planted at a low altitude, around 50 metres above sea level, with considerable humidity and warmth, resulting in an early harvest and grapes with higher concentration and lower acidity.
In contrast, the loureiro is planted at a higher altitude, approximately 150 metres above sea level, with less humidity and warmth, hence undergoing a slower maturation process, contributing intense aromas and smoothness on the palate to the wine.
The harvest is conducted manually, and the grapes are transported in 20 Kg boxes to prevent premature breakage of the berries before reaching the winery.
The different varieties are vinified separately. Initially, they undergo cold maceration, remaining in contact with the skins to extract their delicate aromas.
A "coupage" is performed with the musts of each variety, and the blend is placed in French oak barrels where fermentation will occur.
Terras Gauda Etiqueta Negra undergoes a maturation process of 5 months in French oak barrels on its own lees with periodic bâtonnages.
Afterwards, it is left to rest for 4 months in cold conditions before being bottled. In the bottle, it will be refined for a minimum of 6 months.
Terras Gauda is a very special white wine. The albariño imparts fruity aromas and volume on the palate, the loureiro contributes floral intensity on the nose, and the caíño provides structure, along with exotic fruit and balsamic aromas.
A white wine that will evolve in the bottle over the next 4 years. It is recommended to decant the wine before consumption.