Álvaro Palacios – 2021 Vi de Vila Gratallops            

Álvaro Palacios – 2021 Vi de Vila Gratallops.

Proudly representing the unique terroir of its region, the 2021 ‘Vi de Vila Gratallops’ by Alvaro Palacios exposes the beauty of Mediterranean scenery. The old vines are clearly noticeable in this concentrated, full-bodied wine, creating a clear mental picture similar to a postcard.

About the Winery

Álvaro Palacios is one of the most influential winemakers in modern Spanish winemaking. Since arriving in Priorat at the end of the 1980s, he has played a crucial role in the region’s renaissance, proving that world-class wines can be produced with vineyards on steep slopes. 

Álvaro’s philosophy is rooted in biodynamic and organic practices, with a strong focus on terroir expression, diversity, and minimal intervention. Rather than forcing a style, Palacios allows each vineyard to speak for itself. Gratallops is often seen as the gateway into his Priorat range, creating a wine that offers authenticity and depth while remaining approachable and gastronomic.

About the Vineyard

The vineyards for Gratallops are located around the village of Gratallops, situated in the center of Priorat, Spain. The landscape is defined by its extreme slopes and the iconic llicorella soils, which is a mix of black slate and quartz that forces the vines to dig deep for water and nutrients. These poor, well-drained soils naturally limit yields, resulting in small berries with great concentration and ultimately great taste.

The Mediterranean climate, including the significant temperature differences, allows the grapes to ripen fully while retaining freshness. Old vines dominate the area; many of them planted decades ago and are up to 70 years old, producing low yields but fruit of remarkable intensity and character.

About the Wine

Gratallops 2021 is based on Garnacha and Cariñena. The grapes are harvested by hand, at optimal ripeness to preserve balance and express the unique terroir of Priorat. Fermentation takes place using native yeasts, followed by ageing in French oak barrels of different sizes for 14 months. 

Looking at this clear, ruby red wine, different aromas gently appeared and kept developing as time passed. The captivating notes of ripe cherries, blackberries, plums, and violets are inviting to take the first sip. 

On the palette, the mineral tones are the refreshing backbone of the wine, while the concentrated and full-bodied structure adds depth and elegance. In addition to the aromas in the nose, the wine also reveals tones of Mediterranean herbs, licorice, and cinnamon. The tannins provide a soft, yet slightly bitter impression, and the long finish is the foundation of the 2021 Gratallops. The ageing potential of this young wine is obvious from the first sip on.

Pairing suggestions: This wine can be enjoyed with stews or roasted lamb. The Mediterranean character of the wine can be enhanced by using herbs like rosemary. In addition, hard cheeses, like Manchego, will pair wonderfully with a class of this iconic Priorat wine. 

The outstanding finish of this 2021 Gratallops invites you to take another sip and fully emerge in the unique characteristics of Priorat.  

We award this wine a 92-point DWA score.

This review is written by our own Marlon Rouw. Alvaro Palacios is imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Vinites and available through selected retail and hospitality partners.

Taste Date:                 August 2025

Website:                     Alvaro Palacios