Louro 2022 (Rafael Palacios)

Drink now or cellar for up to 6 years. Serve chilled. Alvaro Palacios is rightfully one of Spain’s most famous winemakers for his work in Priorat and his brother Rafael is quickly making his mark on the other side of the country in Valdeorras just to the north of the Portuguese border. The steep terraces and tough terrain make winemaking here a real challenge, but also ensure very low yields and powerful, concentrated wines. Rafael currently owns 20 prime plots including 100 year old vines scattered across the region. Louro do Bolo is composed from 100% Godello, a grape that is on the ascendancy in Spain thanks to the rich, minerally wines coming out of Valdeorras. Rafael’s bottlings rank amongst the region’s finest, including this expression which is crafted from his plots in the villages of Chandoiro, Lentellais, Outardepregos and Santa Cruz set at an altitude of up to 680 metres. Rafael’s vines are farmed organically and biodynamically, and in the winery he uses wild yeasts to ferment the must in French oak vats and ages the wine on the lees for 5 months. The result is a rich and creamy white with plenty of stone fruit and citrus character along with a smooth texture and long finish.