Rafael Palacios As Sortes 2022

Region and Vineyards

The As Sortes Godello is produced from six small vineyard plots (called “sortes”) located in the Val do Bibei region of Valdeorras, Galicia, Spain. These vineyards were planted in the late 1970s and early 1980s, making them some of the oldest vineyards owned by Rafael Palacios. Situated at an altitude of over 680 meters, these steeply terraced vineyards are carved into the slopes of the valley, supported by stone walls. The soils here are composed of granite sand, which, combined with the altitude, results in low-yielding vines that produce grapes of intense concentration and character.

The unique terroir of Santa Cruz do Bolo, located on the northern side of the Bibei Valley, provides an ideal environment for growing Godello, a grape that was once at risk of extinction. The vines, planted from cuttings during a recovery plan to preserve the variety, benefit from the low-fertility soils and cooler temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and retain vibrant acidity.

Winemaking

As Sortes is crafted with a focus on preserving the purity and intensity of the Godello grape. After careful hand-harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed, and the must is transferred to 500-litre French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine remains in these barrels for eight months, aging on its lees to gain richness and complexity. The use of French oak provides subtle structure without overpowering the natural fruit flavors, allowing the mineral-driven characteristics of the wine to shine.

Rafael Palacios employs low-intervention methods throughout the winemaking process, in line with his commitment to biodynamic and organic practices in the vineyard. This ensures that the As Sortes reflects the true expression of its terroir, with minimal manipulation during vinification.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with a bright, crystalline clarity.
• Aroma: Aromatically intense, offering vibrant notes of grapefruit, red apple, and wild flowers, alongside a distinctive mineral note and hints of boxwood.
• Palate: The wine is youthful and tight, with a rich texture balanced by refreshing acidity. The palate offers flavors of citrus and orchard fruits, with a persistent, mineral-laden finish.

Did you know?

The term "As Sortes" refers to the small, terraced plots where the vines are grown. These plots, or “sortes”, are a traditional feature of viticulture in Galicia, where the steep slopes and stone terraces make farming both challenging and rewarding. These vineyards were part of a recovery project in the 1970s to protect Godello, a variety that was at risk of disappearing.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled seafood with lemon and herbs: The wine’s acidity and mineral backbone complement the freshness of seafood, while its citrus notes enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Galician-style octopus: The savory and rich texture of the octopus pairs beautifully with the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic complexity.
• Goat cheese salad: The acidity of the wine balances the creaminess of the cheese, while its floral and fruit notes add complexity to the dish.
• Roast chicken with thyme and garlic: The wine’s fresh acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken, and its herbal notes complement the flavors of the herbs.

History of Rafael Palacios Estate

Rafael Palacios comes from one of Spain's most illustrious wine families. His brother, Álvaro Palacios, is internationally known for his work in the Priorat region, but Rafael chose to focus on white wine, particularly on reviving the Godello grape in the remote region of Valdeorras, Galicia. After working with his family in Rioja, he moved to Galicia in 2004 and began acquiring small plots of old-vine Godello vineyards in the Val do Bibei, where he set out to make high-quality, terroir-driven wines.

Valdeorras is a region with a long tradition of winegrowing, but it had been somewhat overlooked in modern times. Rafael Palacios’ work here was groundbreaking, focusing on rescuing old Godello vines and cultivating vineyards on the steep, terraced slopes of the Bibei River. By adopting organic and biodynamic practices, he has allowed the terroir to shine in his wines, producing some of the most sought-after white wines in Spain.

His approach, combining minimal intervention in the vineyard and cellar with a meticulous selection of grapes, has earned him a reputation as a pioneer in Godello winemaking. Today, Rafael Palacios is regarded as one of the top producers of white wine in Spain, with his flagship wines regularly receiving international acclaim.

Region and Vineyards

The vineyards of Rafael Palacios are located in the remote Val do Bibei, a subregion of Valdeorras in Galicia, northern Spain. This area is characterized by its dramatic landscape of steep, terraced hillsides, where vines are planted at altitudes of up to 680 meters above sea level. The soils here are predominantly granite sand, which are poor in nutrients but perfect for producing wines with minerality and depth.

The climate in Valdeorras is cooler than most other wine regions in Spain, heavily influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. This allows for a long growing season, enabling the grapes to slowly develop full flavor while retaining bright acidity. The region’s topography and climate create the ideal conditions for Godello, a grape that had nearly disappeared from the area before being revived by growers like Rafael Palacios.

Rafael’s vineyards are composed of small plots, or “sortes,” many of which are home to old vines planted in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These vines produce low yields of highly concentrated fruit. Palacios practices biodynamic and organic farming, taking great care to preserve the fragile terraced landscape while allowing the vines to express the true character of the Bibei Valley.

Wine Range

Rafael Palacios is primarily known for his range of Godello-based wines, which are crafted with a focus on expressing the unique terroir of the Val do Bibei. His portfolio includes several single-vineyard and small-parcel wines, with each label reflecting the distinctiveness of the vineyard site:

• As Sortes: A flagship wine, As Sortes is sourced from old-vine Godello parcels and showcases a perfect balance of richness, minerality, and acidity. It is regarded as one of Spain’s greatest white wines.
• Louro: A more accessible expression of Godello, Louro is known for its freshness, elegance, and mineral-driven character, making it a favorite for those seeking an introduction to the wines of Rafael Palacios.
• Sorte O Soro: A rare, single-vineyard bottling from the Sorte O Soro plot, this wine is one of the purest expressions of Godello, offering depth, precision, and an ability to age gracefully.

Each of Palacios' wines is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged on lees to add texture and complexity. The wines are often aged in large French oak barrels, but the oak influence is kept subtle, allowing the fruit and minerality to take center stage.

Did you know?

The name “As Sortes” comes from the traditional Galician term for the small vineyard plots passed down through generations of families. These tiny, terraced vineyards, often located in remote areas like the Val do Bibei, are incredibly difficult to farm due to the steep terrain. However, it is precisely these plots that produce the grapes for some of Rafael Palacios' most expressive and sought-after wines.