Alvaro Palacios

Alvaro Palacios transformed Priorat from an obscure, abandoned wine region to one of Spain's greatest in a single decade (1989-2000). Working with Rene Barbier, he founded Clos Mogador and then his own estate, producing L'Ermita — from ancient Garnacha vines on llicorella (slate-mica schist) soils. L'Ermita is Spain's most expensive wine and one of the world's great reds. Also produces Finca Dofi, Les Terrasses, and Camins del Priorat.

Alvaro Palacios is the person most responsible for Priorat's renaissance. L'Ermita from old-vine Garnacha on slate is among the world's great red wines.