2023 Alvaro Palacios - Camins del Priorat (750ml)

Alvaro Palacios was born into the Palacios Remondo winemaking family of Rioja and studied enology in Bordeaux, where he worked at Château Pétrus before returning to Spain. In 1989 he settled in Priorat as one of five producers credited with reviving the region's fortunes, an area of steep schist terraces first planted by monks centuries earlier. He continues to farm organically across the family's holdings in Priorat, Bierzo, and Rioja Oriental.

This bottling is a blend gathered from ninety vineyards across eight Priorat villages, built mainly around Garnacha and Cariñena with smaller portions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, along with a touch of white grapes. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts in a mix of stainless steel, concrete, and oak vats, including some whole clusters, with skins left in contact for about three weeks. The wine is then aged four months in oak barrels and vats before bottling.

The wine pours a bright ruby with a ripe, herbal nose, showing crushed berries and wild flowers alongside a Mediterranean touch of dried herbs. The palate is polished and elegant, framed by soft, fine tannins and a savory finish. Serve it with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or a hard cheese.