Gouveio is a synonym for the well-known Godello grape variety. Mentioned in documents as early as 1531, the Godello variety is one of the oldest white wine varieties in Spain. It probably originated on the soils on the banks of the Rio Sil, but it almost became extinct due to a lack of interest. By the end of the 1970s the population had shrunk to a few hundred hectares. It is thanks to the pioneering and development work of Horacio Fernandez and Louis Hidalgos in Valdeorras that the wines of this interesting variety are now once again playing an appealing role on the wine lists of Spanish restaurants. The Godello has family ties to the Verdejo in Rueda, which certainly explains its fresh and lively character. Godello sprouts early, but also ripens early, which gives it great advantages, especially in the cool and humid northwest of Spain. The variety loves barren, stony and dry soils, but still develops good growth vigor and decent yields. However, it is susceptible to sour rot as well as powdery mildew and downy mildew. Today, almost 1200 hectares of Godello are in production again, primarily Ribeiro, Ribera Sacra, Valdeorras and Bierzo. The wines are fresh and fruity, but the best ones are also suitable for aging in barriques and are surprisingly long-lasting. In Portugal, the variety is often used to produce white port.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Agodello
