Los Palos
de Tanis
To reach the magnificent Los Palos de Tanis estate, one must ascend to 675 meters onto the slopes of Quel that open toward the Pico Gatún. At these heights, the air grows crystalline and the light more piercing; it is here that the cultivation limits for Tempranillo begin to reveal themselves, and where Rioja’s quintessential grape unveils its extreme elegance and capacity for longevity.
In this space between heaven and earth, high-altitude Tempranillo thrives, defying the slopes and chasing the horizon. The vines seek the specific balance of light and cool air that allows each cluster to develop the most delicate finesse and precise intensity. This is the exact terroir where Rioja’s noble variety reaches its zenith: subtle aromatics, refined tannins, and a structural backbone that promises to evolve with grace over time.
At Los Palos de Tanis, Tempranillo does not impose itself; it whispers. It stretches toward the sky and perfects itself in silence, yielding wines that are a faithful portrait of the rugged landscape and the towering altitude from which they were born.
Untethered vines reaching for the sky
Nestled on the mountain slopes surrounding Quel at an altitude of 675 meters, the Los Palos de Tanis vineyard is a place where nature and viticulture intertwine with profound harmony. This vineyard is defined by its vertical training system, utilizing traditional stakes (palos) that guide the Tempranillo vines toward the sky. This method allows the foliage to provide essential canopy protection for the clusters, while the roots delve deep into a sandy-loam soil rich in clay and silt.
The landscape surrounding Los Palos de Tanis is a vibrant mosaic of biodiversity, where reedbeds, almond, cherry, and olive trees coexist in perfect equilibrium. This diverse ecosystem grants the vineyard a singular expressiveness, reflecting the ecological richness of the land that sustains it.
The Tempranillo vines here are witnesses to the patience of time. Their vertical growth is not merely a technical choice, but a declaration of respect for the natural environment—a pursuit of the ultimate expression of terroir.
The wines born from this vineyard are a pure reflection of their surroundings: elegant, with a vibrant acidity and a structural complexity that speaks of the high altitude and the underlying mineral profile of the soil. Each glass serves as an invitation to discover the history of a site where viticulture is practiced with meticulous care and devotion.
The viticulturists of Quel understand perfectly that Tempranillo lacks a natural “stop” mechanism when the heat arrives; it continues to transpire, causing it to suffer far more than Garnacha in warmer climates. For this reason, altitude and the diurnal temperature swings between the heat of the day and the cool of the night are essential. Perched at 675 meters, these vines are naturally protected, allowing the plant to focus its energy on the pursuit of quality and phenolic balance.
Over the years, the root systems are compelled to seek depth, enabling the vine to achieve a perfect equilibrium between vegetative growth and the demands of the fruit. The result is mature Tempranillo with a balanced acidity and refined tannins. These characteristics pair seamlessly with the intense color of the old-vine Garnachas to create singular wines that possess both full-bodied structure and delicate finesse.
Vertical stakes: an ancient training legacy
One of the most distinctive features of Los Palos de Tanis is its vertical training system (en rodrigón). While rare in modern Rioja, it is one of the most ancient pruning systems known to viticulture. This method provides greater shading for the fruit, a crucial advantage in sun-drenched regions. It is a system of free-standing vegetation, organized around a high trunk where pruning spurs are inserted at different horizontal levels. This architectural approach not only protects the berries but also ensures a unique micro-aeration that defines the soul of this vineyard.
Quel
A mishmash of sand,
sand and
more sand
Technical data
31.6% Loam, 57.1% Sand, 11.3% Clay
Mi Lugar
2019
The allegory of Quel
other
vineyards
of Queirón
///viñedo singular ///garnacha
El Arca
A three-century-old terroir
///viñedo de Quel ///tempranillo
La Pasada
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///viñedo de Quel ///graciano
El Pozo
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///viñedo de Quel ///garnacha
El Poeta
Garnacha vines in avery poor soil
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La Perdida
Low, old, silent
///viñedo de Quel ///garnacha
La Bartola
Heavenly and brave
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Los Palos de Tanis
Verticality and elegance
///viñedo de Quel ///tempranillo
Hoyo Judío
The viticulture of an alchemist