{"product_id":"2024-rafael-palacios-louro-do-bolo-1","title":"2024 Rafael Palacios Louro do Bolo","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 Rafael Palacios Louro do Bolo is a refined white wine from Valdeorras that showcases the pure, Atlantic-influenced character of inland Galicia. Crafted primarily from the indigenous Godello grape, it strikes an elegant balance between freshness, texture and mineral depth. This cuvée has become a reference point for modern Spanish white wine, bridging traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary, terroir-driven style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Louro do Bolo typically shows a pale straw to light gold hue with greenish reflections, hinting at its youth and vibrancy. The nose is precise and expressive, offering layers of citrus (lemon zest, grapefruit), ripe orchard fruits (pear, golden apple) and white peach, wrapped in floral notes of jasmine and chamomile. Subtle hints of fennel, wet stone and a touch of creamy lees character provide complexity without ever feeling heavy.\n\nOn the palate, this wine is medium-bodied yet wonderfully lithe, with a spine of crisp acidity that carries flavors of citrus, stone fruit and delicate herbal tones. The hallmark of Louro is its saline, mineral edge—an almost chalky, mouthwatering quality that lingers on the finish, supported by gentle oak nuances and a fine, rounded texture from aging on the lees. While absolutely enjoyable in its youth for its energy and precision, it has the structure to evolve nicely over the next 3–5 years, gaining more layered complexity and a slightly richer mouthfeel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLouro do Bolo is sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Valdeorras, where Godello thrives on granitic, sandy soils that naturally limit vigor and enhance minerality. The climate is influenced by both Atlantic freshness and continental warmth, giving ripe grapes with vibrant acidity. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to ensure careful selection in the vineyard, preserving the delicacy and aromatic purity of the fruit. In the cellar, Rafael Palacios is known for a meticulous, low-intervention approach: gentle pressing, native yeasts for fermentation, and aging on the lees in a mix of large oak foudres and\/or neutral barrels to add texture and complexity without masking the intrinsic character of the terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine is a superb partner for seafood-focused dishes—think grilled prawns, scallops, octopus, or simply prepared white fish with olive oil and lemon. It also pairs beautifully with Galician-style dishes, shellfish, sushi, lightly spiced Asian cuisine, roast chicken, or vegetable-based plates such as asparagus risotto or artichoke dishes that need a wine with both body and freshness. Serve chilled, ideally around 9–11°C, to highlight its aromatic lift and mineral tension. While decanting is not strictly necessary, a brief 15–20 minutes in a carafe or in the glass can help the wine open up and reveal more depth of aroma and flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRafael Palacios is one of Spain’s most respected white wine specialists and a leading figure in the renaissance of Godello in Valdeorras. After working with his family’s renowned estate in Rioja, he turned his focus to the rugged, underappreciated vineyards of Galicia, where he began rescuing old, often abandoned plots planted to Godello on steep, granitic slopes. From these sites he has crafted a range of wines that have helped redefine the potential of Spanish white wine, earning international acclaim and consistently high ratings from critics. His work has placed Valdeorras firmly on the map as one of Spain’s most exciting regions for distinctive, terroir-driven whites.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rafael Palacios","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251926946129,"sku":"GCW-RAFA-24120404","price":28.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2024_Rafael_Palacios_Louro_do_Bolo.png?v=1783442267","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2024-rafael-palacios-louro-do-bolo-1","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}