From: Priorat, Spain
Blend: 40% Garnacha, 30% Samso, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah
Tasting Notes & Critical Acclaim: An alluring bouquet of red cherries, pomegranate, and potpourri. As you take a sip, vibrant notes of ripe boysenberries and a touch of marjoram waft through, complemented by delicate hints of oyster-shell minerality. The wine gracefully unfolds on the palate, revealing subtle coffee undertones and a whisper of milled white pepper. With a medium body and silky texture, the Camins del Priorat's tannins are juicy and fresh, providing an elegant frame for the expressive profile. The wine culminates in a beautifully balanced finish, adorned by a spicy mineral streak.
"Hints of stewed herbs to the nicely baked cherries, strawberries and some hibiscus and dark spices. Fruity, medium-bodied on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a fresh, medium-long finish. Drink now." –James Suckling, 91 points
Pairing: A wine as eloquent and terroir-driven as the 2022 Camins del Priorat calls for pairings that are rich in regional flavors. Classic Catalan dishes like "llangonissa amb fesols" (grilled sausage with beans), or “Corder a la brasa" (grilled lamb) complement the wine beautifully. Alternatively, a taste of southwest France with cassoulet, Toulouse sausages with Puy lentils, or duck confit would make for a sumptuous pairing. We’re sharing a recipe for Chicken Tagine With Eggplant and Olives by Florence Fabricant below, inspired by this region and its wines.
Chicken Tagine With Eggplant and Olives
By Florence Fabricant
About. When you uncork a bottle of Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2022, you unlock a treasure trove of history and winemaking mastery. Alvaro Palacios, an esteemed winemaker, and recipient of the coveted Decanter Magazine's "Man of the Year" title in 2015, has dedicated his career to crafting wines that define the essence of Spain. As the son of the owners of Palacios Remondo in Rioja, Alvaro's journey into the world of wine was innate.
A Journey to Priorat
After studying enology in Bordeaux and apprenticing under Jean-Pierre Moueix at Ch, Pétrus, Alvaro could have easily settled into his family's domaine. However, his heart was set on exploring the potential of the rugged terrains of Priorat, a region 60 miles from Barcelona with a rich pre-phylloxera winemaking history.
Starting with his first vineyard, Finca Dofí, in 1990, Alvaro acquired what is now considered a crown jewel in Priorat - a Garnacha vineyard with old vines planted between 1900 and 1940 on a well-drained schist slope. Named L'Ermita after a small chapel atop the hill, this vineyard became the epitome of Alvaro's winemaking philosophy.
Crafting Camins del Priorat
Among Alvaro's incredible wines, Les Terrasses VV and Camins del Priorat hold particular importance. Les Terrasses "Velles Vignes" evolved from a value wine to a symbol of what makes Priorat exceptional. Its prominence led to the genesis of Camins del Priorat.
