2024 Valdesil Sobre Lias Blanco

Family history and origins

Valdesil is a leading winery in Galicia, located in Vilamartín de Valdeorras. The wine "Valdesil Sobre Lías" pays tribute to the Sil River, which winds like a spine through the Valdeorras Valley. The wine is produced by the Prada-Gayoso family, descendants of José Ramón Gayoso, who first planted Godello in this region at the beginning of the last century. This cuvée uses only grapes from their own vineyards located in the parishes of Portela (San Xulián) and Córgomo (Santa Marta).

Valdeorras: climate and soils

Valdeorras boasts a unique climate where Atlantic influences blend with dry, continental characteristics. The vineyards are situated on steep slopes of weathered schist, poor in nutrients but rich in structure. The combination of altitude, daytime temperature variations, and stony soil produces wines with tension, aromatic complexity, and a pronounced minerality.

Godello grape and sustainable vineyards

The wine is made from 100% Godello, sourced from a massive selection of the renowned Pedrouzos plot. The vines are between 15 and 40 years old. The vineyards are cultivated with respect for the plants' natural circadian rhythms, and a plant-based cover crop is maintained year-round to prevent soil erosion. This approach produces vibrant, healthy grapes with terroir-driven expression.

Fermentation and maturation on fine lees

Each parish is vinified separately. Fermentation occurs with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks, without temperature adjustment or chemical intervention. The wine then matures for six months on its fine lees in the same tanks, with regular bâtonnage. After this aging, the two wines are blended into a single cuvée. The result is a wine that retains its purity while simultaneously developing depth, texture, and elegance.

Tasting notes: citrus, tension and structure

The color is bright light yellow with a green tinge. The fragrance opens with delicate notes of citrus and stone fruit, such as yellow plum and peach, accompanied by subtle floral notes, fennel, and wet stone.

On the palate, the wine is dry and minerally, with excellent acidity (5.88 g/L) and an alcohol content of 12.5%. The texture is creamy but not heavy: the aging on fine lees creates a soft, fleshy mouthfeel without sacrificing freshness. The wine finishes with a long, salty, and lively finish. With only 0.38 g/L residual sugar and a pH of 3.32, it remains taut, gourmet, and flawless. The Valdesil is the Burgundy of Galicia. So elegant and complex, yet so much more affordable.

Robert Parker tasted the 2008 vintage in 2015 and was thoroughly impressed (read the review under the Parker tab). The wine has excellent acidity with smoky notes along with toasted bread and toffee. Beautiful minerality and citrus notes, with a fresh yet firm finish. If you enjoy a Godello (or Chardonnay), you should definitely try this wine.

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 .

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. This is a free service for our customers.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier . Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food suggestions

1. Grilled sea bream with lemon and parsley
The citrus and minerality of the wine accentuate the fresh, tender fish and add extra tension to the dish.

2. Risotto with green asparagus and lemon oil
The creamy texture of the risotto complements the lees maturation perfectly, while the spicy citrus accent is enhanced by the acidity of the wine.

3. Baked chicken fillet with fennel, orange and almond
The juiciness of the chicken and the aniseed note of fennel find harmony with the aromatic and slightly spicy structure of the wine.

4. Scallop carpaccio with green apple and tarragon
The minerality and finesse of the wine emphasise the saltiness of the scallops and refresh the whole with their citrus profile.

5. Quiche with leek, soft goat cheese and thyme
The creamy filling and spicy topping are lightened by the fresh acidity and soft texture of this Godello.

6. Linguine with clams, garlic and lemon zest
The salty shellfish and aromatic citrus notes are beautifully carried by the fresh and slightly oily structure of the wine.