Bodegas Casa La Rad Welcomes Barbara Palacios as Its New Head Winemaker

In an exciting development for wine enthusiasts, Bodegas Casa La Rad has declared the appointment of Barbara Palacios López-Montenegro as the new head winemaker. This announcement not only celebrates her distinguished upbringing in the Palacios family, a renowned name in the Spanish wine industry, but also highlights her commitment to the rich biodiversity and heritage of the Rioja region.

Lauded for her unique expertise, Barbara Palacios aims to elevate the winery's offerings, enhancing the balance of elegance and authenticity embedded within its acclaimed wines. Laurent Grumel, the winery's general director, articulated a shared vision, stating, "Barbara's expertise and dedication to a terroir-focused winemaking philosophy align perfectly with our mission. Her leadership will be instrumental in crafting wines that embody our estate's unique characteristics."

Barbara's journey in the world of viticulture is as fascinating as it is diverse. Following in the footsteps of her father and uncles, she began her studies in viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux, attaining technical diplomas in 2004. Her career took off, leading her to experience hands-on training in some of the world's most prestigious vineyards, including Château Margaux, Château Pichon-Longueville Baron in the Médoc region, and Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley.

Her international career has allowed her to refine her skills through collaborations with top winemakers across Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Chile, Argentina, and back in Spain. In 2005, Barbara dedicated her efforts to cultivating a small vineyard near Haro, planted in 1989 by her father, Antonio Palacios, the foundation for her wine enterprise, Bodega Barbarot. To further cement her expertise, she obtained a degree in oenology from the University of La Rioja in 2014.

Bodegas Casa La Rad, initially established in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for the Marquesses of Legarda, has evolved into one of the largest wine estates in Rioja, extending over an impressive 800 hectares. The estate consists of 48 distinct vineyard parcels, cultivated at elevations between 515 and 675 meters above sea level. These vineyards, averaging over thirty years of age, produce legendary varieties such as Garnacha, Malvasía, and Viura, dating back to the mid-1970s. The unique altitude, diverse microclimates, and rocky soil of the estate contribute to the wines' remarkable complexity and depth.

Casa La Rad is dedicated to sustainable practices, proudly holding sustainable viticulture certification from the esteemed Fair and Green association in Germany. Nestled within the UNESCO biosphere reserve of the Ocón Valley, only 14% of the estate is allocated to vineyards; the rest comprises ancient forests, olive groves, and cereal fields. Since a change in ownership in 2014, the winery has embraced innovative barrel aging techniques, moving away from traditional classifications like Reserva and Crianza to maximize the expression of its terroir.

Producing 100% DOCa Rioja wines from estate-grown grapes, Bodegas Casa La Rad offers selections under the labels Casa La Rad, Alma La Rad, and Viña Solarce. With production currently at 75,000 liters, the winery plans to increase its output to 200,000 liters by 2030. The appointment of Barbara Palacios signals an exhilarating new chapter for Bodegas Casa La Rad, reaffirming its dedication to quality, authenticity, and sustainability in winemaking.

For more information, visit www.casalarad.com. For media inquiries, interview requests, or distribution opportunities, please contact joseph granados at +34 676 31 44 00 or [email protected]