2021 Quiñón De Valmira – Alvaro Palacios.
We recently reviewed two top wines produced by Alvaro Palacios, showcasing his ability to produce some of the best wines in Spain. There was Las Lamas from the Bierzo region and Dofí, that finds its home in the Priorat region. In this review, we turn our attention to Alvaro’s home ground: Rioja. We review a special single vineyard wine, produced in extreme limited quantities, the 2021 Quiñón De Valmira.
About the Winery and Vineyard
Quiñón de Valmira is crafted by J. Palacios Remondo, the family winery located in Rioja Oriental, and released under Alvaro Palacios’ name. Following years of experimentation and refinement, the first vintage of this single vineyard wine debuted in 2014. The wine is predominantly composed of 90% Grenache, complemented by Monastrell, Bobal, and Tinto Velasco. It originates from a 35-year-old organically farmed vineyard situated at an altitude of 620 meters. The vines thrive in sandy soil layered with quartz, limestone, and calcium carbonate, with a touch of clay added to enhance the composition.
About the Wine
Next to Alvaro Palacios’ iconic L’Ermita from the Priorat region, Quiñón de Valmira stands as one of his most remarkable achievements. Alvaro’s deep understanding of Rioja Oriental, coupled with his bold, innovative approach, results in an exceptional wine produced in limited quantities—approximately 4,000 bottles for the 2021 vintage.
In the winery, 40% of the grapes are destemmed before fermentation takes place in a large open wooden vat. The wine is then aged for 12 to 15 months in a 2,000-liter wooden barrel before being transferred to concrete tanks. After two years of meticulous care, it is finally bottled, reflecting the precision and artistry of its creation.
The 2021 Quiñón de Valmira is a masterstroke from Álvaro Palacios, epitomizing the elegance and depth of Garnacha in Rioja Oriental. A wine of rare finesse, it showcases the warm, sun-drenched character of the region while delivering a surprising lightness and precision.
On the nose, it opens with an ethereal bouquet of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, and floral notes of violets and rose petals. There’s a beguiling hint of orange peel, honey, and a touch of exotic spice, adding layers of complexity. A subtle echo of Syrah-like black fruit and pepper evokes the elegance of a fine Northern Rhône, yet the wine retains its own distinct identity. The aromatic interplay between freshness and maturity is reminiscent of a Chambolle-Musigny, with its Pinot Noir-like finesse.
The palate is where this wine truly shines. It’s a seamless dance of red cherry, sour cherry, and sweet raspberry, underscored by a saline minerality and a delicate spiciness, reminiscent of chili flakes and rosehip. The texture is silky and weightless, yet the structure is defined by fine tannins and vibrant acidity, creating a wine that is both lithe and enduring. A touch of sweet sea buckthorn and a savory, aniseed nuance add to the wine’s intricate layers.
What sets this wine apart is its remarkable balance. It combines the richness of ripe fruit with a cool, fresh finish, maintaining an elegance and charm that keeps you coming back for more. Despite its depth and complexity, it remains light on its feet, a testament to the craftsmanship behind it.
The 2021 vintage is particularly noteworthy, with perfect ripeness and harmony that reflect one of the finest growing seasons in recent Rioja history. Quiñón de Valmira continues to assert itself as not just a wine, but an experience—a journey through the essence of Garnacha interpreted through Álvaro Palacios’ visionary lens.
Conclusion:
A true testament to Rioja’s potential, this wine is a must-try for those who appreciate elegance and complexity. Defying every stereotype of a classic Rioja red, it offers a fresh perspective that will captivate even the most devoted fans of refined Burgundy or Rhône wines, leaving them longing for another glass. Undoubtedly one of the finest wines produced in Rioja—and all of Spain—this is Garnacha as you’ve never experienced it before!
We award this stunning single vineyard wine with a 99-point DWA score.
This review is written by our own Niels Aarts. Alvaro Palacios is imported in the Netherlands by Vinites and available through selected retail and hospitality partners.
Price: €350,00
Taste date: November 2024
Score: 99/100 DWA Score
Website: N/A