rating B+

standout soil-based site selection

about high-elevation plantings from Rioja Oriental, under three different labels (including one in Ribera del Duero): Nivarius (named after a natural cavern in which wine used to chilled and stored) is white wine only, Pruelio (“battle”) is red wine. Fruit is brought in from several mini-valleys in the southern mountains of Rioja; as well as the classic Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Mazuelo varieties, there’s also Tempranillo Blanc, Maturana Blanca, and a little Garnacha Blanca. Ancestral method also made.

wines tasted

“Lía” Reserva 2017 ($32)

45% Maturana Blanca, 30% Tempranillo Blanco, 15% Viura, 10% Chardonnay. 30 months on lees, with no dosage. From a 42ha vineyard, “La Concepión,” with clay-limestone soils. Rich, powerful, yeasty, toasty, and spicy, but still very fresh.

website https://palaciosvinosdefinca.com/en/

email visitas@palaciosvinosdefinca.com

phone +34 680 421 409

address Road Nalda to Viguera nº 46