Alvaro Palacios - L'Ermita - Priorat

98 points - The Wine Advocate
98 points - The Wine Advocate
91 points - The Wine Advocate
Alvaro Palacios - L'Ermita - Priorat

Alvaro Palacios - L'Ermita - Priorat

98 points - The Wine Advocate
98 points - The Wine Advocate
91 points - The Wine Advocate
Vintage
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Regular price €1,210.00
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There is even more Cariñena in this warm vintage, and the varietal breakdown of the 2017 L'Ermita comes to a majority of Garnacha but with a notable 20% Cariñena and some 2% of white grapes. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats and matured in oak barrels of different sizes for 16 months. The grapes were picked on the 18th of October, which is extremely late considering that 2017 was their earliest harvest ever! It has a surprisingly high percentage of Cariñena, the highest ever for L'Ermita, yet the wine feels like the essence of a Mediterranean Garnacha—floral, expressive, open, insinuating, refined and elegant. It has great depth and refined tannins and feels light on its feet, yet it's full of inner power, intense and persistent. It's detailed, nuanced, clean, transparent, focused and pure. The flavors are very precise and clean and the aftertaste extremely long. A truly great L'Ermita, again, transcending the conditions of the vintage.
The 2013 vintage was a very hard act to follow, as for me it was the best vintage ever, but the 2014 L'Ermita is also extremely impressive. The grapes from the mixed varieties found in the old vines (mostly Garnacha with around 8% Cariñena and 1% white grapes) planted in that north facing, cool amphitheater of Gratallops achieved amazing parameters, 14.8% alcohol with a pH of 3.16 (very low) and 6.3 grams of acidity. The destemmed and lightly crushed grapes always ferment in an oak vat with their natural yeasts followed by malolactic in barrique and an élevage of some 16 months. The grapes were harvested on October 28th, extremely late, but not as late as 2013, which was a record. But, 2014 was not as healthy as 2013 and there was some botrytis. Álvaro Palacios told me he had two guys at l'Ermita vineyard removing rotten grapes from the vines with tweezers for the last twenty-something days before they harvested it. It clearly paid back, as there is no trace of rot; in fact, the wine is ultra clean, floral and subtle, and despite not being light, the high acidity makes it feel a lot more ethereal than it really is. This time I really felt a descriptor Palacios often uses for this wine, pink grapefruit. Its acidity makes you salivate, but there is a silkiness in the texture like no other wine in the collection. Pit fruit, cherry and peach, pomegranate, dried roses, pink peppercorns, wet slate and acid berries. This is a l'Ermita for the long haul and at the helm with the very best vintages, flirting with perfection. Sheer class. 1,440 bottles were filled the 1st of April 2016.
The 2006 L’Ermita has a pure bouquet of lifted wild strawberry, raspberry and crushed stone aromas and crisp delineation. The palate is full-bodied with saturated tannins and incredibly pure, dark cherry and raspberry fruit laced with orange rind. The challenging growing season means that it does not possess the same harmony and weight on the finish as other vintages, although it demonstrates fine persistency.
Type:
Red
Country:
Spain
Region:
Cataluña
Appellation:
Priorat
Producer:
Alvaro Palacios
Grapes/Blend:
Grenache
Serving temp:
16 – 18°C
ABV:
14%
Pairing Sugesstions:
Lamb, Pork, Manchego, Venison, Charcuterie and Cured Meats

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Behind the bottle

Alvaro Palacios - Onshore Cellars

Alvaro Palacios

Alvaro Palacios is a renowned wine producer from Spain, known for his exceptional wines that are produced in the Priorat region. The Priorat region is located in the...

Alvaro Palacios is a renowned wine producer from Spain, known for his exceptional wines that are produced in the Priorat region. The Priorat region is located in the northeast of Spain, and is known for its rugged terrain and unique soil composition, which makes it an ideal location for producing high-quality wines.

Alvaro Palacios has a long history in the wine industry, having grown up in a family of winemakers. He studied oenology in Bordeaux, France, and then went on to work at some of the most prestigious wineries in the world, including Château Pétrus in Bordeaux and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy.

In 1989, Alvaro Palacios returned to Spain and founded his own winery in the Priorat region. He was one of the pioneers of the region, and his wines quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional quality. Alvaro Palacios is known for his commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Priorat region, and he uses traditional winemaking techniques to achieve this.

The wines produced by Alvaro Palacios are typically made from the Garnacha and Cariñena grape varieties, which are well-suited to the hot and dry climate of the Priorat region. The wines are known for their intense fruit flavors, complex aromas, and firm tannins. Alvaro Palacios produces a range of wines, from entry-level wines that are accessible to a wide audience, to high-end wines that are sought after by collectors around the world.

One of the most famous wines produced by Alvaro Palacios is the L'Ermita, which is made from old-vine Garnacha grapes grown on steep slopes in the Priorat region. This wine is considered to be one of the best wines in Spain, and is highly sought after by collectors. Other notable wines produced by Alvaro Palacios include the Les Terrasses, which is a blend of Garnacha and Cariñena grapes, and the Finca Dofi, which is made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena grapes.

Alvaro Palacios is a true master of winemaking, and his wines are a testament to his skill and dedication. His commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Priorat region has earned him a reputation as one of the best winemakers in Spain, and his wines are highly sought after by wine lovers around the world.

Alvaro Palacios
Scenic view of a historic monastery surrounded by green vineyards under a clear blue sky, framed by leafy tree branches in the foreground.

Cataluña

Cataluña, or Catalonia, is a vibrant and diverse wine region in northeastern Spain, renowned for its wide range of wine styles and microclimates. This region encompasses several Denominaciones...
Cataluña, or Catalonia, is a vibrant and diverse wine region in northeastern Spain, renowned for its wide range of wine styles and microclimates. This region encompasses several Denominaciones de Origen (DOs), including the famous DO Penedès, known for its innovative white and red wines, and DO Priorat, highly acclaimed for its powerful and intense red wines. Catalonia is also the heartland of Cava, the Spanish sparkling wine, primarily produced in the Penedès area.

Catalonia's geography is varied, featuring coastal areas, extensive valleys, and rugged mountains, which contribute to the distinct terroirs found within its boundaries. The Mediterranean climate generally offers warm, dry summers and mild winters, ideal for viticulture, with variations in temperature and rainfall influenced by altitude and proximity to the sea.

The region produces a multitude of wine varieties, with an emphasis on both indigenous and international grape types. Traditional red varieties include Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan), particularly prominent in Priorat and Montsant, where old vines contribute depth and complexity to the wines. For whites, varieties such as Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada are prominent, especially in the production of Cava.

Catalonia's wine production is characterized by a blend of tradition and innovation, with many producers experimenting with new techniques and sustainable practices while respecting their heritage. This dynamic approach, combined with the rich cultural history of the region, makes Catalonian wines truly unique and highly sought after in the global wine market.
Explore Cataluña
A scenic landscape of a vineyard with a large, white building surrounded by lush green hills and trees under a clear sky.

Priorat

Priorat is a wine region located in Catalonia, Spain. The region is known for producing high-quality red wines that are full-bodied and complex. The history of winemaking in...

Priorat is a wine region located in Catalonia, Spain. The region is known for producing high-quality red wines that are full-bodied and complex. The history of winemaking in Priorat dates back to the 12th century when monks from the Carthusian monastery of Scala Dei began cultivating grapes in the area. The region's unique terroir, which is characterized by steep slopes, slate soils, and a Mediterranean climate, contributes to the distinctive character of Priorat wines.

The production of Priorat wines is highly regulated, with strict rules governing grape varieties, yields, and winemaking techniques. The primary grape varieties used in Priorat wines are Garnacha and Cariñena, although other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot are also permitted. The wines are typically aged in oak barrels for extended periods, which adds complexity and depth to the final product.

Priorat wines are known for their intense aromas and flavors, which often include notes of black fruit, licorice, and spices. The wines are also characterized by their high tannin levels, which give them a firm structure and the ability to age for many years. Priorat wines are often compared to those from the nearby region of Rioja, although they are generally considered to be more full-bodied and complex.

Some of the top producers of Priorat wines include Alvaro Palacios, Clos Mogador, and Mas Martinet. These producers are known for their commitment to quality and their use of traditional winemaking techniques. Their wines are highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts around the world.

In addition to red wines, Priorat is also known for producing a small amount of white wine. The white wines are made from Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo grapes and are typically light and refreshing with citrus and floral notes.

Overall, Priorat is a region that is steeped in history and tradition. Its unique terroir and strict winemaking regulations have helped to produce some of the world's most sought-after wines. Whether you are a seasoned wine collector or a casual enthusiast, a bottle of Priorat wine is sure to impress.

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