The Palacios family boasts an impressive vinicultural tradition that goes back over the last four generations. However, it was José Palacios Remondo who was really responsible for making the winery what it is today, by planting the best possible selection of La Rioja’s traditional grape varieties, and treating viticulture as his true vocation. Showing great vision for the future, he sent his children (now in charge of the company) to be trained at the best French schools of oenology and viticulture and encouraged them to visit important wineries in the main wine-producing regions.
The winery is located in the east of La Rioja, at Alfaro, right on the region’s boundary. The 100 hectares unfold over a long incline facing east-south, at the foot of the mountains of the Sierra de Yerga, at an altitude rising to 550 metres. It is rough, mountainous terrain, with a clay-chalk soil containing little organic matter but plenty of pebbles and a typical calcareous layer (petrocalcic horizon) that limits the plants’ hardy nature. A Mediterranean climate somewhat tempered by Atlantic influences, vineyards at high altitude and a low average rainfall provide excellent conditions for the grapes grown on the estate: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano and Viura.
The Palacios favour vine growing based on grape yields per hectare and special attention is paid to soil enrichment using alternative methods. As to what happens in the winery, they consider the following of particular importance: supervising the grapes on the selection table; vinification according to the type of wine and to the specific characteristics of the grape harvest; the minimal use of mechanical intervention to protect the wine from aeration and oxidation when being moved and during racking. Most decidedly, the site’s geographical features and climatic conditions, the favourable combination of grape varieties, and the whole work ethic define the outstanding merit and character of this bodega’s wines.
