Rafael Palacios was more interested in motorbikes than wine until his early twenties, despite growing up above a bodega in Rioja. He’s certainly made up for the late start, going on to become one of Spain’s most celebrated winemakers. Our in-depth chat covered his love of Godello, his time in France and Australia, the different terroirs of Valdeorras and his role in developing the growing prestige of the country’s top whites.

To read more about Rafa have a look at his website. You can also follow him on Instagram at @rafaelplacios_viticultor.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as Apple Podcasts. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.