Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2022

Alvaro Palacios is one of nine children born into a respected Rioja wine producer Palacios Remondo. He decided to study enology in Bordeaux and after graduation worked at Petrus. He eventually returned to Spain where he worked for a period as a barrel salesman getting the opportunity to travel throughout Spain’s wine regions.

In 1989, Alvaro as a member of the “Gang of Five” made his first wine and that group of 5 producers put the Priorat on the international wine world map. Alvaro acquired his first vineyard in 1990 and named it Finca Dofi. In 1993, he located and purchased his crown jewel a northeast facing steep vineyard on schist planted between 1900 and 1940. Because the top of the vineyard has an ancient hermitage he named this vineyard L’Ermita.

Camins del Priorat is made up of 40% Garnacha, 30% Samso, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah.  It is a combination of estate and purchased fruit grown on schist soil.  It is fermented in stainless steel, cement, and open top wooden vats. This is a great entry to the region and a tremendous bargain showcasing concentration, elegance, approachability and restraint.