The Palacios family have been involved in wine making for 4 generations but the estate has recently seen a huge quality upgrade thanks to the forward thinking patriarch who sent the two sons currently in charge off to study viticulture and wine making as well as to Australia and California for experience. Alvaro first made a name for himself in the Spanish region of Priorat before returning home and taking charge with brother Rafael.

We think so highly of their efforts that we stock their Crianza in our red range and this delightful white as well. Abandon all thoughts of double cream rich, slightly oxidised traditional white Rioja all ye who drink here, for this is the future.

Only French oak is used (instead of the more traditional American), so butter and spice are present instead of sweet coconut and vanilla. The use of only Viura from low yielding ,organic vines means that you also get a faint hint of aromatic fruit. It has the weight and texture you would expect from an oak fermented white but superb balance and elegance as well. We realise that this is a rather painful price for a white wine from this region, but trust us – this really is worth it. Please do not ruin this by drinking it too cold and do decant if you possibly can.

Good with

chicken and pork, onion tarts, tapas