2021 Alvaro Palacios Gratallops, Priorat, Spain





2021 Alvaro Palacios Gratallops, Priorat, Spain
Àlvaro Palacios is one of the group of five famed 'pioneers' who arrived in Priorat in 1989 primed to recover and reinvent the remnant old local Garnacha of the region. This is a stunning wine of character and depth.
Variety: 75% Grenache 25% Cariñena (Carignan).
Region of Origin: Gratallops, Priorat.
Tasting Notes
The colour is deep ruby to garnet. The nose is an intense bouquet of dark fruits like black cherry, plum, and blackberry, complemented by floral notes of violets, as well as hints of spice, liquorice, and the characteristic minerality from the llicorella soils. The palate is full-bodied and complex, with rich, layered flavours of ripe black fruits, cocoa, and spices. The tannins are firm yet refined, providing structure and a long aging potential. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of fruit, spice, and a subtle earthiness, showcasing the wine's balance and elegance.
Wine Making
The winemaker is Àlvaro Palacios, one of Spain's most celebrated vintners who has played a pivotal role in elevating the status of Priorat as a world-class wine region. After studying oenology in Bordeaux and working at Château Pétrus, he returned to Spain with a mission to revive the ancient, terraced vineyards of Priorat. He practices organic farming and all viticultural practices are aimed at enhancing the expression of the terroir. The grapes are harvested by hand before the wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in a combination of open-top wooden fermenters and stainless-steel tanks. The wine is aged in a mix of French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak to add complexity and depth for about 16-18 months. There is minimum filtration before bottling.
The Vineyard
The vineyards are located around the village of Gratallops, one of the nine historic villages of Priorat. These vineyards are some of the oldest in the region and are situated on steep, terraced slopes that are emblematic of Priorat’s rugged landscape. The climate in Priorat is Mediterranean with continental influences. The region experiences hot, dry summers and cool nights, which create a significant diurnal temperature variation. This variation is crucial for maintaining acidity and balance in the grapes, contributing to the wine’s freshness and structure.