Bárbara Palacios Takes the Helm as Head Winemaker at Casa La Rad Winery

Introduction


Bodegas Casa La Rad, a prestigious vineyard located in the heart of La Rioja, Spain, recently announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Bárbara Palacios López-Montenegro as their new head winemaker. This historic decision marks a milestone in the world of winemaking, as Bárbara becomes the first female winemaker from the acclaimed Palacios family, known for their rich legacy in the wine industry.

A Promising Beginning


Bárbara Palacios is not just stepping into a role; she is bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience that stretches beyond Spain's borders. With her roots deeply planted in La Rioja, her career in enology has taken her around the globe. She studied viticulture and winemaking in Bordeaux and gained firsthand experience in some of the most illustrious wineries worldwide, such as Château Margaux and Robert Mondavi. Her journey through regions like Napa Valley, Australia, New Zealand, and South America has enriched her understanding of diverse wine production techniques.

Resounding Welcome


Laurent Grumel, the general manager of Casa La Rad, expressed his enthusiasm in welcoming Bárbara to the team. He emphasized that her experience, passion, and commitment to terroir-driven viticulture perfectly align with the winery's vision. He stated, "Her leadership will be vital in crafting wines that embody both elegance and authenticity, mirroring the unique characteristics of our estate."

A Legacy of Tradition


Bodegas Casa La Rad has a storied history, founded in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for the Marqueses de Legarda. Today, it stands as the largest vineyard property in La Rioja, encompassing 800 hectares of land. This estate is known for its incredible diversity, featuring 48 distinct vineyard parcels situated at altitudes between 515 and 675 meters above sea level. The average age of the vines exceeds thirty years, including some impressive specimens of garnacha and viura dating back to the 1970s. The vineyard's unique microclimates and the dramatic topography add complexity and depth to the wines produced here.

Commitment to Sustainability


Casa La Rad is not only celebrated for its wine but also for its commitment to sustainable practices. The estate holds the internationally recognized FAIR'N GREEN certification, a testament to its dedication to eco-friendly viniculture. Nestled in the UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve of the Valle de Ocón, only 14% of the property is allocated for grape cultivation, with the remainder preserved as ancient forests, olive groves, and cereal fields. Since its transformation in 2014, the winery has pioneered innovative barrel aging techniques, moving away from traditional classifications in its quest to fully express terroir in every bottle.

Future Prospects


As Bodegas Casa La Rad embarks on this new chapter with Bárbara Palacios at its helm, the vineyard anticipates significant growth. Currently producing 75,000 liters, the winery aims to expand its production capacity to 200,000 liters by 2030. The appointment of Palacios is seen as a strategic move that reinforces Casa La Rad's commitment to quality, authenticity, and sustainability in winemaking.

In conclusion, Bárbara Palacios's ascension to the role of head winemaker at Bodegas Casa La Rad signals an exciting evolution in the winery's journey. With her roots, extensive experience, and passion for winemaking, she is poised to lead the winery successfully into the future, continuing its legacy while embracing new opportunities.
For more information, you can visit www.casalarad.com. For media inquiries, interviews, or distribution opportunities, contact us at media@casalarad.com.

Topics Consumer Products & Retail)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.