ÁLVARO PALACIOS
Finca Dofì

Priorat is, since 1954, one of the only two "qualified" designations of origin ( with Rioja). However, world fame for this terroir only came about in the 1990s, under the impetus of Álvaro Palacios and René Barbier (Clos Mogador). With its very steep terrain, schist and slate soils and a climate full of contrasts due to its altitude (300 m to 1000 m), Priorat is a land of predilection for grenache (the flesh) and carignan (the bones).

In addition to the usual quality standards (very old vines, low yields, manual harvesting, etc.), what is most striking about Álvaro Palacios is his modern vision of Priorat with, from top to bottom of his range, wines that harmoniously combine minerality, richness, elegance and sweetness. If Ermita has rightly become a cult wine that is sought after worldwide, it is the harmony of its range, down to the "small" Camins del Priorat, that commands admiration.

The range of Álvaro Palacios is built around Grenache (as in Rayas), whose proportion in the blend increases with the quality of the wine. In addition, each cuvée contains a small amount (1% to 2%) of white grapes (white grenache, macabeu...) for added freshness.

La Baixada, a new cuvée created in 2018, parcel selection from 3 locations within the Finca Dofi vineyard, 100% grenache. Graceful, powerful and delicate on a taffeta texture, the combination of power and elegance of this wine is dazzling. La Baixada is in some ways the twin sister of the great L'Ermita vintage, but at a quarter of the price!

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

Vendimia is, as announced on its colourful label, a fruit can barely aged in barrels (4 months).

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

La Montesa is the Domaine's main cuvée, sweet, velvety and aged in barrels for 12 months. One of the most popular wines in Spain.

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

Propiedad, a high-end cuvée produced only in the great vintages (if not folded in La Montesa): the oldest vines (40 to 90 years old), long vatting, 14 months' maturation, without filtration before bottling, rated 92/100 by Vinous in 2015.