CH’NG Poh Tiong
The cliff-hanging vineyards of Alavaro Palacios in Bierzo. The Mencia grapes for Petalos come from 40- to 90-year old vines!
“If anyone embodies the promise and spirit of ‘The New Spain’ it’s Alvaro Palacios” … Berry Bros & Rudd
In the Top 10 list of the most expensive Spanish wines, Alvaro Palacios is responsible for two of them.
L’Ermita and Descendientes La Faraona – grown in Priorat and Bierzo respectively – have a cult following and 4-figure prices!
Alvaro Palacios is one of 9 children whose family owns the highly respected Palacios Remondo estate in Alfaro, Rioja Baja.
When Alvaro’s father passed away in 2000, he went home to take over winemaking responsibility. Incidentally, Bierzo’s “Descendants” or Descendientes de J Palacios – which was established in 1998 with Chateau Margaux-trained nephew Ricardo Perez – was named in honour of Alvaro’s father.
Spain’s future superstar winemaker studied oenology in Bordeaux and worked for two years at Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix. At that time, the company of Christian Moueix (whose elder brother owns Petrus) was responsible for making, including, Chateau Petrus, Trotanoy and Latour a Pomerol under the esteemed Jean-Claude Berrouet.
Alvaro Palacios credits his formative years at the Libourne company for his winemaking philosophy. Apart from his most expensive wines, he has many others up his sleeves that do not cost two arms and two legs.
These reds represent exceptional value-for-money and offer glimpses into his well-deserved repute as a winemaking superstar of the world.
Alvaro Palacios
“One of the world’s most inspired and dedicated winemakers” … Berry Bros & Rudd
As with his other vineyards, those of Palacios Remondo in Rioja Baja are organic or biodynamic and have old and ancient vines
Palacios Remondo Rioja La Vendimia 2018
A blend of half and half Garnacha (aka Grenache) and Tempranillo, the nose is floral with blue/purple/black fruit, ripe tannins, and freshness. Intensity and persistence. If you have only been exposed to over-oaked, dry and tart Rioja, La Vendimia will put you on “reset” as to how delicious Spain’s most famous DOC can be. Some winelover prefer not to decant Grenache or/and Tempranillo. Personally, for La Vendimia 2018, I recommend 15 to 30 minutes.
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Alvaro Palacios Petalos 2018
Rated “exceptional”, 2018 is considered by many critics to be better than 2017. Bierzo in north-west Spain is attracting a lot of interest thanks to Alvaro Palacios and other winemakers putting their reputation behind the variety Mencia. The vineyards that supply grapes to Petalos are between 40 and 90 years old!! Fragrant, including violets. Deep, rich, dark cherry fruit of concentration and intensity. Ripe, succulent Rolls Royce tannins. Pour this into a big, round glass and – with family and friends – take sip after sip from the start to as long as you wish. Magic will unfold.
