Rafael Palacios
In 2004, Rafael Palacios began this personal project, buying neglected vineyards planted with native white varietal Godello, near O Bolo in the Bibei Valley (DO Valdeorras). The extreme topography and low-yielding soils, combined with phylloxera and the depression of the 1940s, had led growers to almost completely abandon this small but historic winegrowing region.
The small plots, known as 'sortes' in Galician after the ballot process by which they are inherited, are mainly cultivated in terraces. They are located in the westernmost part of the Valdeorras region, on the right bank of the Bibei River, at altitudes ranging from 580 to 720 metres. The sandy soils, formed by the natural breakdown of granite rock, are low in fertility, high in acidity, and easily eroded. For this reason, lighter machinery has been specially adapted to cultivate the soil, preserve the structure of the terraces, and avoid the use of herbicides. These methods are helping restore traditional viticultural practices and preserve the historic landscape of the Bibei Valley.
The property currently consists of 32 vineyard plots, with a total area of 19.5 hectares of Godello. These are cultivated in a traditional way with organic based treatments, and the older 'sortes' are managed biodynamically.
Rafael Palacios personally oversees the viticulture and winemaking. He constantly strives to respect the identity of O Bolo and maximize the purity of expression of his wines.