Ep 259 - Albariño from Rías Baixas with Aran Álvarez of Martín Códax: One Grape, It’s Many Wine Styles & Atlantic Terroir

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to the Atlantic coast of Galicia in Spain to explore one of the most exciting wine regions for white wines: Rías Baixas. Joined by winemaker Aran Álvarez from Martín Códax, this episode is a deep dive into Albariño from Rías Baixas - one of the most expressive white wine grapes in the world. From terroir and climate to winemaking techniques, lees ageing, sparkling styles, orange wine and even noble rot, this episode explores just how many different expressions one grape can create. If you want to learn about wine, understand how wine styles are shaped, and get inspired for your next wine travel destination, this episode is for you.   04:11 – Val do Salnés explained — the heart of Albariño and a key Atlantic wine region. 05:47 – Climate change — shifting rainfall patterns and their impact on vineyards. 06:46 – Pergola (emparrado) training — the traditional system adapted to humidity. 11:18 – Atlantic influence — how proximity to the ocean shapes salinity and freshness. 13:03 – A benchmark Albariño — fresh, saline and beautifully balanced; try Martín Códax Albariño (Rías Baixas) 15:12 – Granitic soils — drainage, organic matter and their role in wine structure. 17:11 – Winemaking styles — from fresh Albariño to lees-aged expressions such as Martín Códax Lías 21:05 – Lees aging explained — how it transforms texture, flavour and complexity. 22:38 – Batonnage technique — how winemakers integrate lees without oxidation. 26:28 – Innovation at Martín Códax — why experimentation drives new wine styles. 28:58 – Why make sparkling Albariño (Martín Códax Espumoso)? Exploring the grape’s natural potential. 30:03 – Harvest timing — multiple harvest stages depending on wine style. 32:21 – Lessons from sparkling winemaking — acidity, timing and precision. 37:28 – Lees interaction — why Albariño absorbs texture and complexity so well. 38:45 – Dry Albariño affected by Noble Rot (Martín Códax Gallaecia) — how a rare late-harvest wine style was developed. 44:26 – Orange wine (Martín Códax OW)  — skin contact, structure and a completely different expression. 47:58 – Aging potential — how Albariño evolves beyond its youthful freshness. 49:43 – Climate adaptation — vineyard experiments, data and future-proofing the grape. 52:31 – Martín Códax philosophy — community, culture and generational winemaking.   📩 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂   THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list