Rafael Palacios : As Sortes 2023

Characteristics and tasting advice for the cuvée As Sortes 2023 by Rafael Palacios

Tasting

This wine charms with its vibrant energy, marked freshness, and great aging potential. An elegant texture is supported by delicious citrus and white fruit notes, extending to a saline, refined finish.

The freshness and precision of a Spanish white wine

The estate

Rafael Palacios, a descendant of the Palacios Remondo family, has distinguished himself through his bold choices, producing some of the best white wines in the world. In 2004, he launched his viticultural project in the Bibei valley in Galicia, acquiring old godello vines, a local Galician grape variety. Like his brother Alvaro, he favors high-altitude vineyards and now manages over 20 hectares under organic and biodynamic farming.

The vineyard

The terroir of Valdeorras, located in Galicia, is renowned for its rich and varied soils, primarily composed of schist and granite. This unique microclimate, influenced by the surrounding mountains, offers ideal conditions for cultivating indigenous varieties such as godello. Moreover, the vineyards of Valdeorras benefit from optimal sun exposure, allowing for slow and balanced grape ripening.

The vintage

The climate of the 2023 vintage is characterized by a mild and rainy winter, with average bud break observed between mid-April and early May depending on the plots. Spring was mild, with moderate precipitation, leading to a summer that was also mild but relatively dry, marked by low rainfall. In the second week of September, moderate rains were beneficial for the final ripening, particularly in terms of phenolic development, the summer, although not very hot, having been fairly dry. These conditions were crucial in achieving an excellent quality in a vintage that is both supple and slightly dry.

Blend

Godello