Álvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat is a fruit-driven red wine from Priorat, crafted by one of the most important winemakers behind the modern reputation of this top Spanish region. The grapes come from 101 plots in 10 different villages, connected by the paths (camins) to which the name refers. Featuring Garnacha, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, steep llicorella terraces, and international acclaim, this is an accessible yet serious introduction to the power and spiciness of Priorat.
This wine comes from Priorat, in Catalonia.
Location / Origin: The grapes are sourced from 101 plots in 10 villages within Priorat. As a result, Camins del Priorat brings together multiple facets of the region in one wine.
Appellation: Priorat DOCa is one of Spain's highest origin categories. The region is known for red wines with concentration, spiciness, and mineral tension.
Soil: The plots are situated on steep terraces of llicorella slate. This dark, flaky soil retains heat and contributes to ripe fruit, structure, and the recognizable graphite-like touch of Priorat.
Climate & Influences: Priorat has long, hot, and dry summers, often with no more than 400 mm of rain per year. This ensures lower yields and concentrated fruit.
Vineyard & Harvest: Due to the varied locations and exposures, the plots do not ripen at the same time. Therefore, the harvest period spans approximately 6 weeks, allowing each batch to be picked at the perfect moment.
The vinification combines juicy fruit with the spicy depth of Priorat.
Harvest & Selection: After harvesting, the grapes are sorted and gently crushed. This careful start helps to preserve pure fruit and supple tannins.
Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation takes place in concrete vats, stainless steel, and wood. This combination gives the wine fruit purity, structure, and added complexity.
Maturation / Wood ageing: The wine matures for about 6 months in used French oak barriques. The used oak provides subtle spiciness and roundness, while the juicy fruit remains clearly present.
Alcohol content: With 14.5% alcohol, this Priorat has sufficient power to carry the ripe fruit, spiciness, and the firm structure of its origin beautifully.
The blend consists of Mediterranean and international grape varieties. The exact ratio may vary by year.
Garnacha – Priorat DOCa: Garnacha gives the wine ripe red fruit, warmth, suppleness, and a generous mouthfeel.
Cariñena – Priorat DOCa: Cariñena brings freshness, spiciness, color, and extra structure to the blend.
Cabernet Sauvignon – Priorat DOCa: Cabernet Sauvignon adds blackcurrant, grip, and length.
Syrah – Priorat DOCa: Syrah provides dark fruit, peppery spiciness, and extra tension.
Merlot – Priorat DOCa: Merlot rounds off the blend with softer fruit and more supple tannins.
