Spain — wine

Valdeorras DO

Galician DO along the Sil River valley in Ourense province; granite and slate soils at 400-700m altitude produce Galicia's most mineral Godello whites and structured Mencía reds. Rafael Palacios's As Sortes single-vineyard Godello from 70-year-old vines on steep slate terraces is considered one of Spain's greatest white wines. The valley's sheltered microclimate and dramatic slate soils give wines extraordinary mineral precision.

Year Rating Notes
2024 Atlantic influence preserved freshness; Godello aromatics excellent.
2023 Benchmark vintage for Valdeorras; As Sortes will be a legend.
2022 Cool Atlantic growing season; Godello aromatics pristine; ideal ripeness with natural acidity
2021 Warm dry summer; ripe Godello with good concentration; Mencía shows plush dark fruit
2020 Balanced year; classic mineral Godello expression; elegant Mencía with fine tannins
2019 Challenging spring frost reduced yields; concentrated flavours; premium cuvées outstanding
2018 Variable conditions; careful selection rewarded; fresh aromatic whites and medium-weight reds