This is an utterly sensational blend of Godello (approximately 90 percent) and Treixadura from one of the very best producers in one of the world’s most exciting wine regions. Quite a billing but, believe me, in terms of complexity, concentration and balance, this can go toe-to-toe with Burgundies twice the price. Rafael (brother of Priorat’s Álvaro) Palacios is rightly regarded as one of Spain’s premier producers of white wine, making his mark in Valdeorras where he farms small plots of old vines.
Fermentation in large oak casks (20 percent new), followed by four months on its lees have served Louro well, contributing texture and an appealing savoury note (“fennel?” I wondered) to the palate. Its mouth-watering acidity and that saline lick to the finish suggest pairing it with shellfish, but this has the body to work well alongside creamy fish dishes and – that old chestnut – roast chicken (perhaps with chestnut stuffing). Rafael Palacios is rightly regarded as one of Spain’s premier producers of white wine. Having witnessed older brother Álvaro transform the reputation of Priorat, Rafa elected to make his mark in Valdeorras where he acquired numerous small plots of vines – some 90 years old – on vertiginous slopes overlooking the Bibei river.
Fermentation in large oak casks (20 percent new), followed by four months on its lees have served Louro well, contributing texture and an appealing savoury note (“fennel?” I wondered) to the palate. Its mouth-watering acidity and that saline lick to the finish suggest pairing it with shellfish, but this has the body to work well alongside creamy fish dishes and – that old chestnut – roast chicken (perhaps with chestnut stuffing).
Rafael Palacios is rightly regarded as one of Spain’s premier producers of white wine. Having witnessed older brother Álvaro transform the reputation of Priorat, Rafa elected to make his mark in Valdeorras where he acquired numerous small plots of vines – some 90 years old – on vertiginous slopes overlooking the Bibei river.