Alvaro Palacios comes from a prestigious wine family from La Rioja, he could have easily secured a prime position in the family winery, the world famous Palacios Remondo. However, he decided to do things his own way, he studied oenology in Bordeaux and had the enviable job of working under Pomerol superstar Château Pétrus winemaker Jean Pierre Moueix. He’s now considered one of Spain’s most important and influential producers, and is making stunning wines in Priorat, Rioja and Bierzo. We’ve tried some of his handiwork previously, the La Montesa Rioja was a big hit at our Christmas tasting and the Finca Dofi which he produces in Priorat is one of my favourites from the area. Mencia is the varietal in Bierzo and was long thought to be Cabernet Franc brought to Spain centuries ago, but this has been proven to be untrue – although it is the same as the Portuguese varietal Jaen and probably an indigenous Spanish varietal. The wine undergoes a relatively long fermentation, almost four weeks and is then aged for almost a year in French oak barrels. The nose is fresh and floral full black cherry fruit and prune with a meaty edge. Followed by an amazing palate that is fresh and vivid, with intense notes of spice, black cherries, dried meat and olives.
