Rafael Palacios Valdeorras As Sortes Val Do Bibei 2023 750ml

The 2023 As Sortes reminded me of the 2021 vintage. It’s perfumed, elegant and harmonious, with ripeness, elegance and freshness, with 14% alcohol and superb acidity that make it balanced and lifted up. It comes from six small vineyards (“sorte” locally) planted at the end of the 1970s and 1980s on the north face of the Bibei Valley at 680 meters above sea level on sandy granite soils that give the wine finesse and elegance. It fermented in 500-liter French oak barrels with indigenous yeasts and matured in those barrels with the fine lees for eight months. There’s a sense of purity and precision that I like very much, while the texture has very fine granularity. It’s very tasty and clean. 23,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2024.

• Country: Spain
• Region: Galicia
• Appellation: Valdeorras
• Size: 750ml
• Color: White

Varietal

Godello

Godello, a distinguished white grape variety native to northwestern Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Bierzo, captures the essence of its maritime-influenced terroir with finesse and elegance. Revered for its ability to produce wines of exceptional quality, Godello thrives in the region’s cool, rainy climate and slate-rich soils.

Godello wines are characterized by their vibrant acidity, medium to full body, and complex flavor profile. They often exhibit notes of citrus fruits, green apple, pear, and floral aromas, accompanied by subtle mineral undertones that reflect the vineyard’s unique geological makeup.

With its remarkable balance and versatility, Godello shines both as a standalone varietal wine and in blends, offering wine enthusiasts a captivating glimpse into the diverse and dynamic landscape of Spanish winemaking.