The 2023 As Sortes reminded me of the 2021 vintage. It is perfumed, elegant and harmonious, with ripeness, elegance and freshness, with 14 percent alcohol and superb acidity that make it balanced and lifted. It comes from six small vineyards (“sorte” locally) planted at the end of the 1970s and 1980s on the north face of the Bibei Valley at 680 metres above sea level on sandy granite soils that give the wine finesse and elegance. It fermented in 500 litre French oak barrels with indigenous yeasts and matured in those barrels with the fine lees for eight months. There is a sense of purity and precision that I like very much, while the texture has very fine granularity. It is very tasty and clean. 23,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2024. 96 Pts, Luis Gutiérrez - The Wine Advocate.

As Sortes sits a clear step above the entry level Louro Godello, coming from six old vine parcels scattered across a natural amphitheatre above the Bibei River. The vines, between 45 and 85 years old, are rooted in decomposed granite at around 600 to 680 metres above sea level, giving both tension and aromatic lift.

The 2023 shows a refined and complete expression of Godello, with a Burgundian sensibility in its balance of texture, minerality and subtle smoky flint character. The palate is layered yet precise, combining ripeness with freshness and a finely grained, almost chalky structure.

A benchmark Galician white that delivers both power and finesse, defined by clarity, restraint and ageing potential, and one of the most consistent references for serious Spanish white wine.