Alvaro Palacios

L'ermita

The pinnicle of Alvaros range in Priorat, L'Ermita was first produced in 1993 and is one of the most exceptional Garnacha's in the world. Aged in new French barriques for around 20 months, the concentration of the fruit ensures you don't feel the oak in this wine. "Alvaro Palacios said at the London en primeur tasting: 'L'Ermita is the caprichosa, the spoiled baby. L'Ermita's soil is cold, and it's harvested late: on 5 November in 2013 and 28 October in 2015. We harvest late because of the temperature of the soil, which has 2 diagonal areas of granite running through it. And we have 200 different vineyard plots. Like La Faraona [Bierzo] and Valmira [Rioja], it is grown at the limit which means it is a spellbinding wine.' Alvaro Palacios L'Ermita 2015 has a dense dark purple core with pinkish edge in colour. The palate arrives silky and smooth with bright acidity and dancing freshness. Superb finish, full of promise." - Sarah Jane Evans, MW