Bodegas Palacio

Bodegas Palacio is a centenary winery located in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa.  Since our foundation in 1894, we have made an important contribution to the revolution in winemaking that has taken place in La Rioja. Our founder, Don Cosme Palacio y Bermejillo, began producing his exceptional wines over 100 years ago, making our bodega one of a limited few to be selected as Bodegas Históricas de la D.O Ca Rioja.

Our wines are like an historical timeline of the region, starting with Glorioso which dates back to 1928; Cosme Palacio, the first of the top notch breakout "Nuevos Riojas" wines from the 1980´s, Milfores, or Bodegas Palacio Reserva Especial. Bodegas Palacio belongs to Hijos de Antonio Barceló, one of the largest Spanish winemakers.  The group has bodegas in the most important Spanish wine producing regions:

• Bodegas Palacio, D.O. Ca Rioja.
• Bodegas Viña Mayor, DO Ribera del Duero.
• Bodegas y Viñedos Anzil, DO Toro.
• Finca Caserío de Dueñas DO Rueda.
• Bodegas Peñascal, Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla y León.

The winery was acquired in 1998 by the current owners who made possible the technological and structural changes, so that our wines can be enjoyed in more than 30 countries around the world. Our position as a market leader is without a doubt revolutionizing the panorama of the region's wines.  Our success is based on three key traits: a rigorous grape selection process, long and slow maturation, and the utilization of new barrels preferably of French oak.

Among the enologists that have helped to contribute to this revolution are Michael Rolland and Sam Harrop.

Right in the middle of the Rioja Alavesa, very close to Laguardia, sits a medieval walled village of great historical significance.  In this village the Bodegas Palacio are located, surrounded by vineyards nestled in a privileged location for winemaking.  Next door, we find the antique bodega, where more than 100 years ago, Don Cosme Palacio began crafting his wines.  Today it has been converted into a small hotel in the pure French Chateaux style.

What sets the Bodegas Palacio apart in addition to our 170 hectares of vineyard under cultivation, are the long-term relationships we have fomented with other growers in the region.  This gives us greater control of processes and grape selection, guaranteeing the same high quality year after year.

At Bodegas Palacio, we combine traditional methods with the most advanced technologies in viticulture.  Our modern installations allow us to completely control the production process (including pressure, temperature of fermentation using water sleeves, and day-to-day calibrations) which translates into getting the most from our grapes. We also have a small-batch line of stainless steel 20,000-Kg deposits for making specially crafted wines.

High quality fruit, slow and long maceration, and the use of new barrels (preferably of French oak) are the keys to the success of Bodegas Palacio. The main varieties used at Bodegas Palacio are Tempranillo, a versatile red grape with a great balance of alcohol, color and acidity; and Viura, which produces fruity whites notable for their acidity.