2023 Alvaro Palacios La Baixada

about the Álvaro Palacios winery

Álvaro Palacios is considered one of Spain's most influential winemakers. Since 1989, he has been working in Gratallops (Priorat) to create wines that combine power, elegance, and pure terroir. His name is synonymous with precision and authenticity. La Baixada is one of Priorat's rare "Vinya Classificada" wines, an official classification comparable to a Grand Cru. Every detail in the vineyard and cellar is carried out by hand, from organic farming to meticulous vinification. The result is a wine that is as profound as it is refined.

vineyard and terroir

La Baixada is a 1.3-hectare vineyard on steep terraces in Gratallops, situated between 293 and 345 meters above sea level. The soil consists of the typical "llicorella" – a reddish slate with traces of iron, copper, and manganese hydroxides. This rock, formed in the Carboniferous period, produces a distinct mineral signature. The vineyard is organically farmed, with mule plowing and hand-tended vines. The east-facing exposure provides morning sun and cool air, slowing the ripening of the grapes. In 2023, rainfall was extremely low, only 250 mm per year, and Palacios decided to lightly irrigate the vineyard for the first time to protect the young vines.

grape varieties and yield

The wine is composed of 95% Garnacha and 5% Garnacha Blanca from 25-year-old bush vines. The yield was minimal, only 20.7 hectoliters per hectare. Due to limited rainfall, the berries were small and highly concentrated, with intense aromas and high extraction. Harvest took place on September 8 and 10, 2023. A total of only 3,460 bottles, 77 magnums, and 20 double magnums, were bottled in February 2025.

vinification and maturation

Fermentation occurred spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in wooden barrels, some containing whole bunches. The wine remained on the skins for 23 days, with gentle manual pigeage. Malolactic fermentation took place in oak. This was followed by 13 months of aging in oval French oak foudres, followed by 2 months in cement. The wine was neither fined nor filtered to preserve its natural structure. Alcohol: 14.4%, pH 3.47, total acidity 4.87 g/l.

color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby red color. The aroma is intense and earthy, with notes of ripe cherries, blackberries, violets, lavender, and graphite. Behind the fruit, spicy and mineral layers emerge—slate, dried thyme, and subtle hints of cedar. On the palate, it is powerful yet polished and balanced. The structure is muscular, with fine, slightly dusty tannins and lively acidity. The finish is long and precise, with a salty note typical of the Priorat slate.

review by The Wine Advocate

The Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez) awarded the 2023 La Baixada 96 points. He called it "a more polished palate with abundant, fine-grained, slightly dusty tannins… definitely an earthier wine." According to his report, this vintage showcases the deep, earthy side of Garnacha with an unparalleled balance of power, freshness, and elegance. He describes the 2023 as "pretty, ethereal, and approachable," with more color and energy thanks to the cool nights during the harvest. The wine combines intensity with refinement and, according to him, possesses everything that characterizes the great Priorat vintages. Recommended for drinking from 2026 to 2040.

style and storage potential

The 2023 La Baixada is a wine of concentration and focus. Despite its power, it remains light and precise. The combination of ripe fruit, fine tannins, and lively acidity gives it excellent aging potential. Álvaro Palacios recommends opening the wine only after several years of bottle aging. Keeping it until at least 2040 under ideal conditions will produce a wine of rare complexity and balance.

Would you like to order Álvaro Palacios wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address: https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons . You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy

recommended wine and food pairings

• Rack of lamb with thyme and rosemary jus. The spicy notes of the meat complement the earthy texture of the wine perfectly.
• Venison stew with mushrooms and dark chocolate. The ripe Garnacha balances the full, earthy character.
• Roasted eggplant with tomato and black olives. The minerality of the wine contrasts beautifully with the savory depth of the dish.
• Pappardelle with truffle and Parmesan. The wine brings tension and freshness that balances the rich flavors.
• Aged Manchego with figs and walnut bread. The salty, mineral notes perfectly complement the saltiness of the cheese.
• Roast quail with herb jus and roasted vegetables. The wine emphasizes the delicate spiciness and length of the dish.