Alvaro Palacios in the Priorat Region

Álvaro Palacios is a highly renowned Spanish winemaker known for his contributions to the wine industry, particularly in the region of Priorat. Born on April 18, 1964, in Alfaro, La Rioja, Spain, Palacios comes from a family with a winemaking background.

Álvaro Palacios gained international recognition for his work in revitalizing and promoting the wines of Priorat, a small and historically significant wine-producing region in Catalonia, Spain. Priorat is known for its unique terroir characterized by steep hillsides with old vine Garnacha (Grenache) and Carignan vines.

In the 1980s, Priorat was undergoing a revival, and Palacios played a pivotal role in this transformation. Along with his nephew Ricardo Pérez Palacios and a group of friends, he founded the winery "Álvaro Palacios" in 1989 in the village of Gratallops. Their flagship wine, "L'Ermita," quickly gained recognition as one of Spain's finest and most sought-after wines.

Álvaro Palacios is also associated with other notable wines from the region, such as "Les Terrasses," which offers a more accessible entry into the Priorat style. In addition to his work in Priorat, Palacios has been involved in winemaking projects in other Spanish wine regions, including Bierzo.

His commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices has further contributed to the high quality and distinctiveness of his wines. Palacios' passion for winemaking and his ability to express the unique characteristics of the terroir have earned him acclaim and accolades in the world of wine.

It's worth noting that the information provided here is based on my knowledge up to January 2022, and there may have been further developments or new releases by Álvaro Palacios since then.