Finca Dofi, Alvaro Palacios, Priorat 2019
Producer
Country
Region
Appellation
Vintage
2019
Wine Type
Grape(s)
Dietary
Alcohol %
Bottle Size
Location
The Finca Dofi, Alvaro Palacios, Priorat 2019 boasts darker fruit than its Vi de Vila (village) cousin with more serious, bramble notes coming through. There is a lovely balance of decadent richness and pinpoint freshness. That sweet, succulent fruit just keeps coming through, but all is in check and the ultra-sweet finish is warm, rewarding and generous. Beautiful Lady Dofi! Catriona Felstead MW
The 10-hectare estate comprises a variety of formations, altitudes, and exposures. The vineyards are steep and curved, hosting a cultivation system that remains unaltered over time. The grapes are fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts. A portion of the grapes is fermented with full clusters, which can add complexity and structure to the wine. After fermentation, the wine is matured in large oak barrels for a period that typically spans around 15 months. This aging process contributes to the wine’s depth and character After fermentation, the wine is matured in large oak barrels for a period that typically spans around 15 months. This aging process contributes to the wine’s depth and character
Álvaro Palacios, whose family owns the prestigious Rioja Bodega, Palacios Remondo, spent two years at Château Pétrus before setting up on his own in Priorat in 1989. From the outset, he set out to produce world-class wines using fruit from extremely low-yielding old vines and applying ultra-modern winemaking techniques.
The cream of the crop is the single vineyard wine L’Ermita, which was first produced in 1993. It is a blend of 80% Garnacha, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cariñena, all aged in new French barriques for up to 20 months. It is bottled unfiltered. It has intense concentration, enormous depth and a complexity which is simply staggering.
Grenache / Garnacha
Deliciously, round, fruity and heartwarming, grenache can be truly majestic when done well. Its likeability comes largely from its full body and sensation of sweetness which comes from its high levels of alcohol and glycerol. Expect plump, red fruits, black cherry, baking spice flavours and a hit of white pepper, developing into jammier, stewed fruit flavours in hotter regions.
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The Country
Spanish wines are a tapestry of rich flavors and storied traditions, deeply rooted in the country’s diverse landscapes. From the sun-drenched plains of La Mancha to the verdant valleys of Galicia, each region imparts its own distinct character to the wines produced. The noble Tempranillo grape reigns supreme in the prestigious Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where it is transformed into wines that balance fruit intensity with earthy depth.
Meanwhile, the effervescent Cava sparkles with vivacity from Catalonia, and the complex Sherry from Jerez intrigues with its spectrum from dry to sweet. Spanish winemakers honor their heritage through meticulous aging classifications, from the youthful Vinos Jovenes to the venerable Gran Reservas, ensuring each bottle tells a story of time and terroir. This dedication to quality is safeguarded by stringent laws, preserving the legacy of Spanish wines as a cherished embodiment of the nation’s spirit and soil.
The Region
Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, is renowned for its diverse and vibrant wine culture. The region’s wines are a reflection of its varied landscapes, from the coastal Mediterranean warmth to the cooler alpine foothills. Catalonia boasts a rich array of grape varieties, including Grenache, Carignan, and Tempranillo for reds, and Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada for whites.
The wines from this region range from the sparkling Cava, known for its refreshing bubbles, to the robust and earthy reds of Priorat, which are celebrated for their intense minerality and full-bodied character. The unique terroir, characterized by granite, chalk, and slate soils, imparts a distinctive flavor profile to the wines, making them both powerful and elegant. Whether you’re enjoying a crisp white or a structured red, Catalonia’s wines offer a delightful journey through one of Spain’s most dynamic wine regions.
The Producer
Álvaro Palacios, whose family owns the prestigious Rioja Bodega, Palacios Remondo, spent two years at Château Pétrus before setting up on his own in Priorat in 1989. From the outset, he set out to produce world-class wines using fruit from extremely low-yielding old vines and applying ultra-modern winemaking techniques.
The cream of the crop is the single vineyard wine L’Ermita, which was first produced in 1993. It is a blend of 80% Garnacha, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cariñena, all aged in new French barriques for up to 20 months. It is bottled unfiltered. It has intense concentration, enormous depth and a complexity which is simply staggering.
