Proelio Vinedos Viejos 2021 (Garnacha), Palacios, Rioja

Minimum order: 6 bottles. We sell in cases of 6 or 12 to ensure you get the best deal, best price and best service.

Tasting can sometimes seem like a chore, but from the first nose of this Old Vine Garnacha, we were so impressed!  I repeated the first line from the 2019 Vinedos Viejos Tasting note (still available in magnums) as it is still so true!  

The 2021 vintage in Rioja is widely considered one of the best vintages of the century (so far!). With a cool growing season, optimal healthy grapes and practically ideal harvest conditions, the wines produced were generally exceptional.

From 80 year old vineyards at between 600m & 700m altitude, on 3 metre clay soils with a sandy rock base, it is elegant, fine and fresh.
A structured, complex and aromatic red laden with dark fruit notes, which are characteristic of how Garnacha ripens in these soils - I stupidly asked how they kept the wine so 'fresh' and was nicely reminded that it's the vineyard terroir etc.  That's me back in my box!

It is medium bodied, with an elegant cherry red color with ruby red rims. On the
nose it is intense and fresh with notes of wild red fruits and balsamic notes reminiscent of aromatic scrub land herbs. On the palate it is agile, fresh and fruity, and finishes long and fulfilling.

There have been lots of press articles recently  about serving red wines chilled. Now this has been done for centuries, but is always a good idea in Spain, as it warms up anyway when poured! This Garnacha (or any pale, perfumed, low-tannin sort) fits the bill perfectly.
But chilled does not mean 6°!  Aim for 14-16° and enjoy in the heatwaves that are becoming more regular!

This vintage, 2021, is just released so we are waiting for reviews. First in was Penin who scored it 93 Points!!
That's a steal at this price!!

93 Points Penin

Alc. Vol. 14.5%
Last Tasted: June 2026