With a degree in Biology, and masters in Oenology from Madrid University, Angela took over the day-to-day management of the Bodega in 1993, and quite naturally assumes the role of winemaker. Within the local D.O. of Rías Baixas Angela is also a member of the panel that controls the quality of all wine produced in the region.
Perhaps Angela’s greatest achievement as a wine maker was in winning the Acio de Ouro in 2000 for the best Albariño, a local Galician competition. Winning only a local competition may not seem like such a great accolade until you appreciate that it is a blind tasting judged by other winemakers from the denomination.
Angela’s contributions were also recognised in 2000 when she was installed as Dama de Albariño.
One year later, in Spring 2001 Angela was visited by an English wine buyer, looking for a decent Albariño to buy for his company. Not only was Andrew successful in his search for a great wine, but twelve months later ended up marrying his supplier, and moving to Spain in 2002! Andrew now dedicates his time to marketing Castro Martin’s fine wines which has resulted in quite a shift towards export. Their wines are now sold on nearly every continent, including Australia, and not just on land either… Castro Martin wines have recently appeared in British Airways First Class cabins and can now be found on board P&O/Cunard cruise liners.
Angela and Andrew dedicate all their energies to producing the best wine that nature will allow. They constantly search for new ways to improve what they do, not only in terms of quality, but also in the presentation of their products. There is hardly a vintage that passes without some small adjustment being made to the wine making process that enhances the character and ‘typicity’ of the finished product. It’s a never ending quest……
The philosophy of Bodegas Castro Martin is now therefore quite firmly established – to innovate wherever possible, but whilst strictly respecting the tradition of the denomination.