Barbara Palacios Takes Charge as Head Winemaker at Casa La Rad
Barbara Palacios Appointed as Head Winemaker at Casa La Rad
Bodegas Casa La Rad is excited to announce that Barbara Palacios López-Montenegro has been appointed as the new head winemaker. Palacios has a remarkable heritage as the first woman winemaker from the esteemed Palacios family. With her strong connections to the region and a wealth of global experience, she is set to bring new insights to the eco-conscious estate in Rioja Oriental.
A Vision for Winemaking
Laurent Grumel, the general manager of the winery, expressed the team’s enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Barbara to Casa La Rad. Her expertise, passion, and commitment to terroir-driven winemaking align perfectly with our vision." He added that her leadership is essential for crafting wines that truly reflect the estate's unique character, embodying both elegance and authenticity.
Palacios' Remarkable Journey
Barbara Palacios' journey in the world of winemaking is diverse and inspiring. She began her studies in viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux, obtaining her technical diplomas in 2004. Her early professional experience was with prestigious wineries, including the renowned Château Margaux and Château Pichon-Longueville Baron in Médoc, as well as with Robert Mondavi in Napa Valley. Over the years, Palacios honed her craft further by working with leading wine producers across various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Chile, Argentina, and Spain.
Returning to Roots
In 2005, upon returning to Rioja, she dedicated herself to cultivating a small vineyard initiated by her father, Antonio Palacios, near Haro. This endeavor led to the establishment of Bodega Barbarot, her personal winemaking project. To further enhance her skills, Palacios obtained an oenology degree from the University of Rioja in 2014, underscoring her commitment to mastering the art of winemaking.
About Casa La Rad
Originally established in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for the Marquises de Legarda, Casa La Rad has transformed into the largest single-property wine estate in Rioja, spanning 800 hectares. The estate boasts 48 unique vineyard parcels, with elevations ranging from 515 to 675 meters above sea level. The diverse vineyards are over thirty years old, and include vines of Garnacha, Malvasía, and Viura that date back to the mid-1970s. The elevation, climate variations, and rugged landscape add remarkable complexity and character to the wines produced here.
Sustainability Commitment
Committed to environmentally-friendly practices, Casa La Rad holds the FAIR'N GREEN seal for sustainable viticulture. Located in the Ocón Valley, recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, only 14% of the estate is cultivated with vines, allowing the remainder of the land to thrive as old-growth woods, olive groves, and grain fields. Since experiencing a transformation in ownership in 2014, the winery has adopted innovative barrel-aging methods, moving away from traditional Reserva and Crianza classifications to emphasize the expressive qualities of its terroir.
Looking Ahead
Bodegas Casa La Rad produces 100% estate-grown Rioja DOCa wines under the Casa La Rad, Alma La Rad, and Viña Solarce labels, with current production at 75,000 litres projected to expand to 200,000 litres by 2030. The appointment of Barbara Palacios as head winemaker signals a promising new era for Casa La Rad, highlighting its dedication to excellence, authenticity, and sustainable practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Barbara Palacios?
Barbara Palacios is the new head winemaker at Bodegas Casa La Rad and the first woman winemaker from the Palacios family.
What is Bodegas Casa La Rad known for?
Bodegas Casa La Rad is recognized as the largest single-property wine estate in Rioja, producing high-quality estate-grown wines.
What are the sustainability practices at Casa La Rad?
Casa La Rad is certified with the FAIR'N GREEN seal, focusing on sustainable viticulture and conservation of natural habitats.
What is the background of Barbara Palacios in winemaking?
She has extensive experience, having worked with several prestigious wineries globally and holds an oenology degree from the University of Rioja.
How has Bodegas Casa La Rad evolved over the years?
Originally a hunting lodge, it has developed into a prominent winery focused on innovative winemaking while maintaining traditional values.
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