Origin, identity and passion
Palacios Remondo has always been one of the benchmark producers in Rioja Baja, an area better known for large volumes than for great quality brands. So it is no surprise that Álvaro Palacios championed the less pejorative name Rioja Oriental, which has finally been adopted in the regulations.
Since the famous Spanish winemaker took over the family winery, his vision for this part of Rioja can be summed up in two words: Garnacha and altitude. The winery's great jewel is the magnificent La Montesa estate, on the slopes of Monte Yerga. Here, choosing the right aspects and relying on Rioja Baja's natural variety, Garnacha, he makes wines quite unlike the rest of the appellation, with
aromatic intensity and a balsamic power that bring plenty of freshness. A great expert on the variety from his work in Priorat, Álvaro has made Garnacha the star of the house's wines.
He has also applied in Rioja his strategy of releasing a top red from a very singular vineyard. Quiñón de Valmira comes from a three-hectare bush-vine site planted in 1985, notable for layers of calcium carbonate surfacing 20 centimetres below ground. It is also Garnacha, with very small amounts of minor varieties, and is aged in foudre and bocoy. It has an airy, delicate profile with floral and citrus notes, yet great sapidity on the palate.
