Priorat

Located in Catalunya, Priorat is only one of two regions, beside Rioja, in Spain that has been qualified as Denominacio d’Origen Qualificada, the highest qualification level for a wine region in Spain.

DOQ Priorat produces full-bodied and powerful reds; Priorat began garnering international attention for their product during the 1990s, and the popularity internationally has not abated. Located in the valleys of the Siurana and Montsant rivers, the vineyards themselves are typically terraced between 100m and 700m above sea level encompassing an area of 19.783 hectares.

Priorat wines are known for their red Garnacha from the older vineyards. The Garnacha has been the steadiest of the varieties sold, while wines with Syrah have gained market share in the last few years at the expense of Carinena varietals. 96% of the planted vineyards are red varietals, with only 4% of the existing vineyards with white.

Alvaro Palacios

Born in 1964, Alvaro Palacios spent his childhood in his parents’ bodega, Palacios Remondo, in Rioja Oriental.

His pioneering vision to make Great Classic Wines led him to Priorat, in Catalonia. Through his world-class wine production, notably ‘l’Ermita’, Alvaro Palacios has reinstated the reputation of the wild, isolated region of Priorat into a legend in its own right.

In the late 90s, in search of a new challenge, this time joining forces with his nephew Ricardo Perez Palacios, his passion led him to Bierzo, a relatively recent appellation in the region of Castilla y Leon. Alvaro Palacios launched Descendientes de J. Palacios, where through their continued hard work and dedication, the duo has succeeded in creating top-quality wines.

On the death of his father in 2000, Alvaro Palacios took over the helm of the Palacios Remondo in Rioja. He has since brought new dynamism to the family winery.