After many years combining local and international varieties, the prestigious Álvaro Palacios decided to go full native with the 2017 vintage. Thus, this time Les Terrasses is made from a strict blend of Grenache and Carignan. A most inspired decision, we daresay.
Grown in the typical Priorat steep slate slopes, after an extremely selective harvest the grapes were deposited in concrete tanks, as well as stainless steel and wooden vats, for a cold pre-fermentation maceration, and a subsequent alcoholic fermentation.
The grapes were then separated from their lees without being filtered, clarified, or temperature stabilized. Then the wine was transferred to French oak barrels, where it completed malolactic fermentation.
After that, Les Terrasses was aged for 12 months in 20% new and 80% 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year French oak barrels, previously used to age the mighty Finca Dofí and L'Ermita. After that, the wine was transferred to deposits, where it was clarified, but not filtered.
Drink this red wine from Priorat through 2030.
Decant Les Terrasses 2017 a minimum of 1 hour before drinking.
Appearance | The red wine Les Terrasses has a lively, brilliant, bright cherry red coloured robe with a violet rim. |
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Nose | The intoxicating Les Terrasses from Priorat is as elegant as ever, but more characterful than in previous vintages. Fragrant and elegant balsamic notes, floral nuances and some vegetable aromas. Slowly, as the wine opens, we are presented with pleasant toasted notes alongside hints of bramble and damson, underscored by some deep mineral and earthy undertones. |
Palate | Tight, focused and nicely textured. Some delicate balsamic notes, mineral underones, marked fruits (berries), and sweet spices. Ripe, sweet tannins, lively acidity and a remarkable freshness. This red wine by Álvaro Palacios has a long finish that is persistent, and leaves mineral notes and mid-level toasted sensations on the palate. |
Our personal opinion | Elegant, intense, and luxurious, Les Terrasses 2017 by the great Álvaro Palacios is a wine which, now more than ever, conveys a pure expression of the Priorat terroir. |
OTHER VINTAGES | Les Terrasses 2016: Carignan, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah. Enterwine 92. Parker 92-94. Peñín 94. Les Terrasses 2015: Enterwine 92. Peñín 92. Les Terrasses 2014: Peñín 94. Parker 93. Les Terrasses 2013: Parker 95. Peñín 95. |
Year | 2017 |
Type | Red |
D.O. | Priorat |
Bottle size | 75 cl |
Serving tempurature | 15-17ºC |
Should this wine be decanted? | One hour before serving |
Does this wine follow the guidelines of biodynamic Farming? | No |
Organic | No |
Is this product free of sulfites? | No |
Ageing | Crianza |
Type of ageing | Months in French oak barrels |
Number of months aged in Barrels | 12 |
Parker Score | No |
Peñin Score | No |
Our Score | 93 |
Media rating | 93 |
Other guides | No |
Name of Award | No |
Mono-Varietal | No |
Percentage of variety | Garnacha, Cariñena. |
Pairings | Aged cheeses, Birds, bluefish, Civet, Cured cheeses, Game animals, Grilled red meats, Roasted lamb, Roasted red meats, Rosted piglet, Specialty Spanish prosciutto , Stews |
Taste | Complex and Elegant, Tasty with barrel notes, Very intense and inky |
Occasion | A special occasion, Because you deserve it, Business dinner, Dinner with friends, Family reunion, Romantic Dinner, To bring to an engagement |
This is the price-range where Priorat wines start to serious. This wine is bold, deep and amazingly long.