Bodegas Martín Códax was founded in 1985 thanks to a group of 50 winegrowers who recognized the potential of the Albariño grape and created an ambitious collaborative project. Today, that initial dream has become a reality, bringing together more than 500 winemaking families, all committed to the quality of our wines and sustainability.
OUR HISTORY
Since then, the winery has been producing wines that reflect the essence of Galicia, while also working to support and promote our culture, establishing itself as a true symbol of Galician wines.
ORIGIN
Bodegas Martín Códax is in Rías Baixas, at the heart of Val do Salnés, in the town of Cambados (Pontevedra). This region, located on the Atlantic coast of Galicia, is known for its moderate climate and granite soils, making it an ideal terrain for viticulture.
The winery’s name pays tribute to Martín Códax, a celebrated 13th-century Galician troubadour whose work reflects a deep connection to the land, the sea, and Galician culture.
THE TERROIR
In Val do Salnés, most vineyards are located near the sea, on low, shallow plots that do not exceed 300 meters above sea level. These soils are predominantly sandy, mineral-rich, and granite-based, contributing to the unique character of the region’s wines. The proximity to the sea imparts a subtle salinity, which is reflected in the freshness and complexity of the wines, distinctive characteristics of this wine-growing region.
ALBARIÑO GRAPE
The Albariño grape is the protagonist of the D.O. Rías Baixas, a symbol of Galicia and one of Spain’s most versatile varieties. This native grape adapts perfectly to the region’s climate and soils, giving the wine a fresh, fruity, and light aromatic style.
With floral and citrus notes, its balanced acidity and structure allow for both young, vibrant wines and more complex elaborations, reflecting the freshness and vitality of the Galician land.
THE CLIMATE
The climate of the D.O. Rías Baixas is influenced by the Atlantic breezes, which give the vineyards a mineral and saline character. Featuring an Atlantic climate with mild temperatures and high rainfall that decreases in summer, the average winter temperature is around 10ºC, with little difference between day and night. Annual rainfall amounts to approximately 1200 mm, creating a fresh and humid environment ideal for the growth of Albariño grape.
THE VINEYARDS
The vineyards are characterized by being smallholdings, an agricultural structure where land plots are small and scattered. The most characteristic training system of the region is the horizontal trellis, where vines are placed about 2 meters above the ground, forming a horizontal canopy that allows for better air circulation and protects the grapes from humidity. This system promotes optimal sun exposure and Atlantic breezes, essential for grape ripening.
HARVEST
Harvest in Rías Baixas is entirely manual, allowing for a careful selection of grapes at their optimal ripeness. At Bodegas Martín Códax, sustainability is a core value in this process, ensuring respect for the environment and grape quality, to leave the vineyards in the best conditions for future generations. We reward the effort of the winegrowers who work tirelessly with this commitment, maintaining a balance between production and environmental stewardship.
Beyond care for the vineyard, harvest is a time of gathering and unity, where families and different generations work together with a common goal: to preserve the legacy of viticulture in the region. This collaborative spirit ensures the continuity of high-quality wines and strengthens our connection to the land, landscape, and traditions.
WINEMAKING
In the months leading up to the harvest, our viticulture team conducts thorough monitoring of each plot, with grape and soil analysis and a remote sensing system using drones. This allows us to classify the vineyards and produce single-plot and singular wines, applying exclusive methods to enhance their unique characteristics. The combination of these techniques and our experience with Albariño grape results in high-quality wines. These elaborations showcase the versatility of white wines and their ageing potential, highlighting the uniqueness and excellence of Albariño.
