Innovative Winemaking: Barbara Palacios Joins Bodegas Casa La Rad as Head Winemaker

Barbara Palacios Appointed Head Winemaker at Bodegas Casa La Rad

Bodegas Casa La Rad is proud to announce the significant appointment of Barbara Palacios López-Montenegro as their new head winemaker. This marks a historic moment as Palacios becomes the first woman winemaker from the distinguished Palacios family in Spain. Known for her deep-rooted connections in La Rioja, Barbara comes with a wealth of international experience that promises to bring a refreshing perspective to the eco-conscious estate.

Laurent Grumel, the winery's general manager, expressed his excitement regarding Barbara's arrival, 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. Barbara's leadership will be instrumental in crafting wines that embody elegance and authenticity, reflecting the unique characteristics of our estate."

Barbara's Journey in Winemaking

Palacios' pathway in the world of winemaking has been as enriched and varied as the wines she will produce. Following in her family's illustrious tradition, she began her formal education in viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux, where she obtained her technical diplomas in 2004. Her thirst for knowledge and hands-on experience then led her to some of the globe's most prestigious wineries, including the esteemed Château Margaux and Château Pichon-Longueville Baron in Médoc, as well as Robert Mondavi in Napa Valley. This early experience was just the beginning of her global journey through renowned wine regions in Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Chile, and Argentina.

Returning to Rioja in 2005, Barbara dedicated herself to the cultivation of a small vineyard, one that her father, Antonio Palacios, had established in 1989. This venture turned into Bodega Barbarot, a testament to her dedication to the craft. In 2014, she further cemented her reputation by earning a degree in oenology from the University of Rioja, showcasing her ongoing commitment to advancing her expertise.

Casa La Rad: A Historical Gem in Rioja

From its origins as a hunting lodge for the Marquises de Legarda in the 17th century, Casa La Rad has transformed into the largest single-property wine estate in Rioja, encompassing 800 hectares. The estate boasts 48 distinct vineyard parcels, planted at elevations between 515 and 675 meters above sea level. The average age of the vineyards exceeds thirty years, and among them are 28 hectares of cherished Garnacha, Malvasía, and Viura vines planted in the mid-1970s.

The diverse altitudes, favorable microclimates, and varied terrains provide unparalleled complexity and character to the wines produced here. Adding to this, Casa La Rad upholds a commitment to sustainability, receiving international recognition with the FAIR'N GREEN seal for their responsible viticulture practices. Set within the Ocón Valley, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the estate dedicates only 14% of its land to vineyards, reserving the rest for nature, including old-growth woods and olive groves.

Since changing ownership in 2014, the winery has embraced innovative aging methods, moving beyond traditional Reserva and Crianza classifications to fully capture the terroir's distinctiveness. Bodegas Casa La Rad focuses on 100% estate-grown Rioja DOCa wines available under the Casa La Rad, Alma La Rad, and Viña Solarce labels. Currently producing around 75,000 liters, the winery anticipates scaling to 200,000 liters by 2030, underlining its growth and commitment to quality.

The arrival of Barbara Palacios signals an exciting new chapter for Casa La Rad, fortifying its dedication to quality, authenticity, and sustainability. With her leadership, the winery looks forward to creating remarkable wines that encapsulate the essence of their unique vineyard landscapes. For more details, visit Bodegas Casa La Rad or reach out for inquiries.