Latest news with #RafaelPalacios
Irish Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Move over Albariño, make way for godello – Spain's answer to chardonnay
A few weeks ago, I wrote about Albariño, a Spanish/Portuguese grape variety that has taken Ireland by storm. But Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain has plenty of other exciting local grapes, white and red, that deserve our attention. Godello is one variety that is growing in popularity and has the potential to produce some of the finest wines in Spain. At one stage in the 1970s, godello almost died out, with only a few hundred vines remaining. It was saved from extinction by two local viticulturists who set up a project to revive the variety and convince producers that it had potential. And potential it certainly has. Godello is grown in various parts of Galicia, neighbouring Bierzo, and in Portugal , where it is known as gouveio. However, the region that produces the most and the best godello is Valdeorras. Valdeorras means 'valley of gold'. The Romans arrived here – and once they had mined all the gold, planted vines. Unlike Rías Baixas which is relatively flat, Valdeorras has steep terraced vineyards dug into the granite and slate soils. The other people who put Valdeorras and godello on the map actually came from Rioja. Telmo Rodriguez and his partner Pablo Eguzkiza , two of the most influential men in Spanish winemaking, and Rafael Palacios, brother of Alvaro, all believed that the grape and soils had huge potential and began producing some scintillating wines. I have featured the excellent Louro from Palacios (€29, independents) before and include the Gaba Do Xil from Rodríguez below. Both producers also make tiny quantities of exquisite single vineyard wines. But others have followed since. READ MORE If aromatic, racy crisp Albariño is Galicia's answer to sauvignon, then the broader more textured godello could be compared to chardonnay. It goes very well with richer fish and seafood including scallops, black sole and salmon, as well as chicken and vegetable gratins. Specially Selected Baron Amarillo Godello 2024 13.5%, €11.99 Attractive rich-textured peach fruits with nice fresh balancing acidity. Enjoy it with chicken, salmon or cauliflower cheese. From Aldi. Valdeorras 2024, A Coroa 13.5%, €18.47/€31 A beautiful wine at an exceptional price. Concentrated pristine stone fruits and pears with a subtle mineral edge and a long dry finish. With seared scallops or prawns. From Valdeorras Gaba Do Xil 2024 Telmo Rodriguez 13.5%, €24 Fresh and racy with lime zest, pears and herbs, with a lively mineral finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with seafood. From Pinto, D9; 64 Wine, Glasthule; Green Man, D6; Fallon and Byrne, D2; Ely Maynooth. Gargalo Godello 2023, Monterrei 13%, €24.95 Lightly aromatic, full-bodied and textured with exotic pineapple and peach fruits. Try this with rich salmon dishes or chicken. From O'Briens.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Partial collapse of historic Coconut Grove Playhouse prompts road closures, safety concerns
A partial collapse at the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse has led to road closures and safety concerns just ahead of the busy holiday weekend, after a structural mishap caused the third floor to give way earlier this week. According to a city official, the collapse occurred on Wednesday when a wall on the second floor was mistakenly removed, triggering a partial failure of the third floor. Engineers determined that other parts of the structure could also be at risk, prompting the closure of Main Highway as a precaution. The city expects the building to be stabilized within eight days. The Coconut Grove Playhouse, built in 1927, has been closed for nearly 20 years. Just last month, Miami-Dade County announced it had awarded a renovation permit to a contractor for a planned reopening. CBS News Miami reached out to the contractor for comment on the collapse but did not receive a response. Community impact and frustration Local residents, including Rafael Palacios and his wife Rose, said they were warned about traffic delays the night before their grandson's graduation at nearby Ransom Everglades School. "The reason why is because the Coconut Grove Playhouse partially collapsed down the street," they said. They decided to take an Uber instead of driving. "We know better. When you see that? Where are you gonna park?" Rose said. Rafael expressed frustration about the state of the building. "It's an embarrassment that it is like that. They should have knocked it down or rebuilt it or do something with it. Not just have that old building standing there," he said. Preservationists and locals react Many in the community are saddened to see further deterioration of the beloved landmark. "It's fabulous. Fabulous place. Big part of Grove history. So it's a shame to see it in the shape that it's in," said Andy Griffith of Coconut Grove. Miami-Dade County has stated that the playhouse is expected to reopen in 2027, its 100th anniversary. CBS News Miami reached out to the county to ask whether the recent collapse could delay those plans, but has not yet received a response.
