Xosé Lois Sebio “Heaven & Hell” 2021
Viños de Encostas — Ribeiro, Galicia, Spain
Now this is an interesting bottle. It’s a white blend of Albariño, Treixadura and Godello from old vines in Gomariz, made by Xosé Lois Sebio. The 2021 is a particularly compelling vintage because the cooler growing season preserved acidity and freshness.
Professional reviews & ratings
- Sobrelias — 94 points
Described as a vibrant, complex white with ripe fruit, flinty minerality, very lively acidity and impressive structure. The palate is broad, rich and elegant, with mineral notes returning on the finish. The reviewer calls it a wine to taste slowly because it continues to reveal itself in the glass.
I’m not finding additional reliable numerical scores from major international critics for the 2021, so I’d rather give you the one solid published score than pad the list with questionable ratings.
What makes it special
The three grapes each have a job:
- Albariño → aromatic intensity, freshness and nerve
- Godello → roundness, richness and texture
- Treixadura → structure and mineral character
The wine is fermented and aged for 10 months in used 500L and 600L barrels, with no malolactic fermentation. That should give it some creamy/complex texture without turning it into an overtly buttery Chardonnay.
The tasting profile is flowers, ripe fruit, aromatic herbs, spice and mineral/flinty notes, with a broad, fresh, elegant palate and a notably long finish.
