▴ Rafael Palacios Louro Godello 2019
Rafael Palacios Louro do Bolo, Valdeorras, Godello 2019
To have one brilliant winemaker in the family is very good, to have two seems almost greedy. Rafael Palacios is Alvaro’s younger brother, and they both earn the accolade. Rafael’s Louro do Bolo Godello is an opportunity to taste really first-class winemaking at a relatively reasonable price: £15 to £20. The Louro do Bolo is made from small parcels of Godello with an average age of 25 years, grown at over 600 metres above sea level. I first discovered it on a trip to San Sebastián, where it proved to be the best-value white wine on several of the restaurants’ lists. The only downside was that I liked it so much that I continued to order it wherever I went, limiting my wine explorations. It has terrific grip, mouth- watering saline character, and a very distinctive texture. If you like wines which remind you of the sea, this is one for you. Price around £20 Liberty Wine, The Good Wine Company, Philglas and Swiggot, Noble Green Wines.
Dec 2020, SK