2024 Valdesil Pezas da Portela

History of Valdesil and origins of the vineyard

Bodegas Valdesil is a historic producer from Vilamartín de Valdeorras in Galicia. The winery dates back to the early 20th century, when José Ramón Gayoso pioneered the planting of Godello on the steep slopes of Portela. His sons continue this work by expanding the original massive selection of the Pedrouzos vineyard to eleven unique plots: the "pezas." This Pezas da Portela pays tribute to these original plantings, and the wine is vinified exclusively from these historic plots each year.

Valdeorras: climate, location and soils

The Valdeorras region is located in inland Galicia, on the banks of the Sil River. The climate is continental with Atlantic influences, with warm summers, cold winters, and large temperature variations between day and night. These conditions promote the development of aromas and acidity in the grapes. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 450 to 650 meters and are planted on poor, colluvial soils, formed by the weathering of iron-rich slate and schist. This soil type produces wines with minerality, tension, and depth.

Grape variety and harvest

Pezas da Portela is made from 100% Godello grapes, sourced from a massive selection in the original Pedrouzos vineyard. The vines are 60 to 90 years old and are pruned short to bush vines (low to the ground) for maximum sap concentration. Harvesting is done by hand, with selection in the vineyard. Thanks to the altitude of the vineyards and the poor terroir, this produces grapes with plenty of energy and tension.

Fermentation and maturation

Fermentation takes place with wild yeasts in old French oak barrels from the Allier and Vosges forests. The use of neutral wood preserves the Godello's aromatic purity. After fermentation, the wine is aged for six months on its fine lees in the same oak barrels, followed by another twelve months of aging in stainless steel tanks. This combination gives the wine structure, texture, and aging potential, without losing any freshness.

Color, odor and flavor profile

In the glass, this wine displays a bright golden yellow color with a green tinge. The nose opens refined and layered, with aromas of ripe citrus, quince, white flowers, almond, and a hint of wet stone. After swirling, notes of dried herbs and a subtle toasted note from aging develop. On the palate, the wine is powerful yet refined. An impressive balance of ripe fruit, vibrant acidity (6.24 g/L), a tight, dry structure (2.0 g/L residual sugar), and a striking minerality. The wine has a fine balance between ripe fruit, creamy texture, and saline tension. The finish is long, clean, and slightly saline, with a hint of lime zest and white pepper. This is a white wine with a Burgundian style, but with a Galician soul.

Would you like to order Valdesil wines online?

In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address .

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Wine and food suggestions

1. Grilled turbot with beurre blanc and fennel seed
The full structure and salty freshness of the wine combine beautifully with the rich sauce and aniseed aromas.

2. Risotto with mushrooms, lemon and old cheese
The creamy texture of the risotto is carried by the acidity of the wine, while earthy and umami notes harmonise.

3. Roasted langoustines with a citrus and bay leaf sauce
The minerality and depth of the wine perfectly complement the refined, sweet character of shellfish.

4. Veal sucade with a sage and roasted almond sauce
The wine cuts beautifully through the soft fatty structure of the meat and adds spicy tension.

5. Salad with grilled zucchini, artichoke and burrata
A vegetarian dish where the freshness of the wine beautifully balances the creamy cheese and roasted vegetables.

6. Roasted celeriac with hazelnut and a sherry vinegar vinaigrette
The combination of roasted earthy flavours and subtle acidity fits perfectly with the character of this Godello.