Rafael Palacios
Summary
Rafael Palacios operates a boutique 32-hectare winery in Valdeorras' mountainous Val do Bibei subzone, producing approximately 350,000 bottles annually of terroir-expressive Godello wines from high-elevation vineyards with distinctive decomposed granite soils. His minimalist approach spans traditional viticulture and indigenous yeast fermentation in French oak, techniques that have elevated Godello to new heights and transformed perceptions of this once-overlooked variety in less than two decades.
Heritage & Leadership
Rafael Palacios established his eponymous winery in 2004 in the Val do Bibei subzone of Valdeorras, Galicia. As a member of the renowned Palacios winemaking family, Rafael chose to forge his own path in northwestern Spain, separate from his brother Alvaro's ventures in Priorat and Bierzo. After working as a winemaker in various regions, Rafael was drawn to Valdeorras specifically for its potential with the Godello grape variety and its unique terroir. He purchased several small parcels of old Godello vines in the village of O Bolo, marking the beginning of his focused project to elevate this indigenous variety.
The winery remains under Rafael's direct leadership, with his hands-on approach extending from vineyard management to winemaking decisions. Since founding the project, he has systematically acquired additional small vineyard plots with old Godello vines, particularly those at higher elevations with distinctive soil compositions. His work in Valdeorras has contributed significantly to the renewed interest in Godello as a premium white variety capable of producing complex, age-worthy wines.
Vineyards & Wines
Rafael Palacios works with approximately 32 hectares of vineyards spread across numerous small parcels in the Val do Bibei, a mountainous area within Valdeorras. These vineyards sit at elevations between 600 and 750 meters above sea level, planted exclusively with the Godello variety. The soils are predominantly decomposed granite (known locally as "sábrego"), with varying degrees of sand, clay, and mineral content across different sites.
The cornerstone of production is the single-vineyard "As Sortes," sourced from vines over 40 years old growing on steep, terraced slopes. His entry-level wine "Louro" incorporates fruit from younger vines but maintains the granite soil signature. The limited production "Sorte O Soro" comes from a specific plot with 78-year-old vines on pure granite soils at the highest elevations of his holdings. The cool Atlantic-influenced climate combined with the altitude creates a long growing season, allowing for slow ripening while maintaining acidity in the grapes.
The vineyards are divided into over 90 micro-parcels, each with slightly different exposures and soil compositions, allowing for precise selection during harvest and vinification. Annual production remains deliberately limited, with approximately 350,000 bottles produced across all wines.
Philosophy & Practice
Rafael Palacios adheres to a minimalist approach in both vineyard and cellar. In the vineyards, he employs traditional viticulture methods adapted to the steep terrain, including manual cultivation and harvesting. Vineyard work follows sustainable practices, with careful canopy management to ensure optimal ripening in the cool climate.
In the winery, Palacios ferments his wines primarily in 500-liter French oak barrels and foudres, with varying percentages of new oak depending on the wine. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, and the wines undergo batonnage (lees stirring) to build texture and complexity. The aging process typically ranges from 6 months for Louro to 8-10 months for As Sortes, with the top cuvées seeing extended aging.
Palacios places particular emphasis on preserving the mineral character imparted by the granitic soils. His winemaking philosophy centers on expressing site-specificity, with each wine reflecting its particular vineyard origin. This terroir-focused approach has established his wines as reference points for the potential of Godello from Valdeorras, demonstrating both immediate appeal and remarkable aging capacity. Through meticulous attention to detail and respect for traditional methods, Rafael Palacios has helped position Godello as one of Spain's most distinctive white grape varieties.