Discover Galicia's gem: Martin Codax Winery's summer wine collection

Martin Codax Winery, founded in 1986 as a cooperative of 50 grape growers in the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, northwest Spain, gradually began acquiring its own vineyards and established long-term contracts with additional growers, focusing on small vineyards. Their expertise lies in the beloved white Albariño grape, considered the gem of Galicia, which has gained popularity in restaurants and wine bars worldwide in recent years.

This tasting features five wines: one red, one rosé, and three whites, two of which are based on Albariño. All wines showcase a distinct fruity profile across their different colors and varieties. They offer a balanced fruitiness that is neither too heavy nor overly ripe, complemented by refreshing acidity. All of these wines are worthy, but three stood out in this tasting: "Pizarras de Otero Bierzo 2022," a red that offers exceptional value for just 59 shekels and can be enjoyed even in summer; and the two Albariño wines, "Marieta Albariño 2022" and "Albariño 2022." These two wines represent different expressions of the grape—light and refreshing in the first, and more substantial and serious in the second. All of the wines are perfect for summer sipping and offer excellent value for money. Cheers!

Martin Codax, Pizarras de Otero, Bierzo 2022A red wine made from Mencía grapes in Bierzo, Galicia. Fermented and aged for several months in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. It has a ruby-red color with aromas of red fruit and flowers. Light to medium body. 12.5% alcohol by volume.

Price: NIS 59.

Best paired with: Grilled meats, pasta, pizzas, meat sandwiches, chicken.

Review: A fun, rich, and relatively elegant wine for such a basic variety; powerful but not excessive or overly assertive. Pleasant spices and good balancing acidity. A humble but excellent wine that works well as a bistro-tapas wine.

Value for money: 4.5/5 (Excellent).

Martin Codax, Mara Martin, Godello 2023A dry white wine made from 100% Godello grapes from Monterrei, Galicia. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. It has a golden color with aromas of white fruit and floral notes. Light to medium body. 12.5% alcohol by volume.

Price: NIS 69.

Best paired with: Fish and seafood with Mediterranean sauces, pizza, pasta, salads.

Review: The dominant fruity profile of this wine is balanced with good acidity and hints of spices. It's a wine with a pleasant lightness, a refreshing feel, and surprising character for its price.

Value for money: 4/5 (Very good).

Martin Codax, Marieta Mencia Rose 2023A semi-dry rosé made from Mencía grapes from Bierzo, Castile, and León. Gentle pressing, short skin contact, and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Pink color with aromas of red fruit and flowers. Light to medium body. 11% alcohol by volume.

Price: NIS 75.

Best paired with: Sandwiches, salads, fish and vegetable appetizers, picnics.

Review: Despite being labeled as semi-dry, this rosé has no real sweetness, only that derived from the fruit. The fruitiness itself is enjoyable, balanced, and intertwined with floral notes. The low alcohol content and lightness make it an excellent summer wine.

Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good).

Martin Codax, Marieta Albariño, Rias Baixas 2022Albariño from Rías Baixas, Galicia. Undergoes both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Golden color with aromas of white fruit, citrus, and a hint of tropical fruit. Medium body. 12% alcohol by volume.

Price: NIS 75.

Best paired with: Fish, seafood, shellfish.

Review: Delightfully concentrated fruit that isn't overly ripe, with pleasant acidity and a hint of minerality that adds depth and character without compromising freshness. A wine perfect for a delightful afternoon drink and pairing with any seafood meal.

Value for money: 4/5 (Very good).

Martin Codax, Albariño, Rias Baixas 2022100% Albariño from Rías Baixas, Galicia. Undergoes alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Golden color with aromas of white fruit, citrus, and herbaceous notes. Medium to full body. 12% alcohol by volume.

Price: NIS 89.

Best paired with: Fish, seafood, shellfish.

Review: A more substantial Albariño than its predecessor, offering a fuller body and solid structure, with excellent fruit (white and citrus), good acidity, and significant minerality. Perfect for pairing with a substantial seafood meal.

Value for money: 4/5 (Very good).