Rafael Palacios - 'As Sortes Val do Bibei' Godello 2022

As quaffable and enjoyable as Godello can be from Valdeorras, it rarely reaches the level of richness, balance and complexity as it does in the hands of Rafael Palacios. Having left his family’s estate in Rioja in 2004, Rafa settled in the Val do Bibei, a rugged, weathered and off the beaten path sub-zone of Valdeorras. Bordering Ribera Sacra, the Val do Bibei is a tortured landscape of granitic, terraced slopes dotted with hard to reach and hard to farm vineyard plots. Whereas most of the rest of the DO is at lower elevation with limestone and schist soils, Rafa works exclusively with Godello planted on granitic soils at much higher elevations – so high that late Spring snow and frost are ever present dangers to his already low yields. Locally these plots are known as sorte, a word in the local dialect that refers to the practice of drawing lots to determine inheritance. Rafa has assembled 24.5 hectares of vines divided among 32 sorte. Some plots he owns outright, others are on long-term lease. The oldest vines, some nearing a century, are head pruned while the younger vines on more gentle slopes are trellised. The farming is minimalist since the sub-zone is blessed with free draining soils and warm, dry summers. All the vineyard work done by hand, including harvesting.

Made with grapes from the oldest vineyards on the property. They are six small ‘sortes’ that were planted in the late 1970's and early 1980's and that Rafael Palacios acquired upon his arrival to the region during the years 2004 to 2007. They are located on the north side of the Bibei Valley, in Santa Cruz do Bolo and at an altitude of over 680 meters. They are vines of the Godello variety with an average age of 40 years, and clones recovered from old traditional vines within the Revival plan (recovery plan of the indigenous vineyard of Valdeorras). Its soils are pure granite sand, not very fertile and with low yields, which produces wines with a marked geo-climatic character and great personality. Viticulture is based on respect for tradition, the use of organic treatments, and the management of the different works within biodynamic agriculture.

The must is fermented in 500 litre oak barrels and aged for 8 months in barrel.

"The 2022 As Sortes feels very young and a little raw and undeveloped, with great freshness. Despite being a very warm summer, they had rain (20+ liters) that was absorbed by the grapes, which made a delicate wine, much fresher than expected. Of course, the high altitude of the vines and the late ripeness and harvest here also have to do with the fresh character of the wine, which transcends the character of the year. I'd wait a little to pull the cork." - 95 Points, Wine Advocate

Producer: Rafael Palacios

Country: Spain

Region: Galicia

Varietal: Godello

Appellation: Valdeorras

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml