Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi Priorat 2015

Alvaro Palacios, a pivotal figure in Spain's modern wine renaissance, comes from the esteemed Palacios Remondo family in Rioja. After studying enology in Bordeaux and apprenticing at Chateau Petrus, he was drawn to the rugged beauty and ancient viticultural heritage of Priorat. In 1990, he founded Finca Dofi, his first personal vineyard project in the region, helping to ignite Priorat’s resurgence on the world wine stage.

Finca Dofí lies on steep, terraced slopes composed of Priorat's iconic llicorella slate soils, at elevations between 250 and 350 meters. The 2015 vintage blends 95% Garnacha with 5% Carignan, sourced from three distinct parcels: Camp d'en Pique, La Baixada, and Coll de Falset. The vines, aged 20 to 35 years, are farmed biodynamically with traditional mule plowing, and yields are kept low to concentrate character and expression.

In the cellar, grapes undergo an extended maceration of over 50 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in large wooden vats. Aging occurs over 16 months in French oak barrels and foudres, building structure while preserving finesse.

The 2015 Finca Dofí offers aromas of ripe black fruit, crushed stone, and subtle florals. On the palate, it is dense yet lifted, with fine, velvety tannins and a mineral-driven finish-showcasing both the power and elegance that define Alvaro Palacios' work in Priorat.