L’Ermita 1999 Alvaro Palacios Magnum

L’Ermita 1999 – Álvaro Palacios

A legendary wine from Priorat: rare, refined, and deeply expressive

L’Ermita 1999 is one of the most soulful and elegant vintages crafted by Álvaro Palacios in the rugged terroir of Priorat. Born from ancient vines grown on steep, slate-rich slopes, this vintage captures the essence of finesse, minerality, and complexity—qualities that define the very best wines of Spain.

A remarkable vintage shaped by nature

The 1999 growing season: low yields, high concentration

1999 was a challenging year in Priorat, marked by variable weather conditions. However, meticulous vineyard selection resulted in incredibly low yields and intense fruit. L’Ermita 1999 offers Burgundy-like elegance, layered aromatics, and silky tannins, showcasing the vineyard’s resilience and pedigree.

Origin and winemaking philosophy

From steep slopes to liquid art

The grapes come from a tiny plot—less than two hectares—planted with century-old Garnacha, Cariñena, and trace amounts of native varieties. These vines, cultivated biodynamically, sit on harsh licorella soils, absorbing every nuance of the land.

Winemaking is minimal-intervention: fermentation with native yeasts, aged in French oak barrels, with a deep respect for the wine’s natural structure and purity.

Tasting Notes

Quiet power, graceful expression

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet reflections.

• Nose: Complex and evocative—black cherry, incense, wild herbs, leather, and smoky mineral notes.

• Palate: Silky texture, bright acidity, precise tannins. The finish is long, mineral, and elegant.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Roasted pigeon with wild mushrooms

• Venison fillet in red wine reduction

• Aged cheeses (Comté, Manchego curado)

Technical Sheet – L’Ermita 1999

Producer: Álvaro Palacios
Region: Priorat D.O.Q, Spain
Vintage: 1999
Grape varieties: Mainly Garnacha, with Cariñena and other native grapes
Soil type: Licorella (decomposed slate)
Vineyard altitude: 400–500 meters above sea level
Farming: Biodynamic
Vinification: Native yeast fermentation in wooden vats
Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle size: 750 ml
Production: Fewer than 1,000 bottles
Cellaring potential: Over 25 years

Final Thoughts

L’Ermita 1999 is not about sheer power—it’s about purity, poetry, and place. A wine that speaks softly, yet profoundly. A rare treasure for true connoisseurs and collectors alike.