2023 DESCENDIENTES DE JOSE PALACIOS "PETALOS" BIERZO

2023 DESCENDIENTES DE JOSE PALACIOS "PETALOS" BIERZO, SPAIN. 95% Mencia, 3% white varieties, and 2% other red varieties. (Biodynamic)

Pétalos del Bierzo is primarily Mencia, the principal red of the region, with a small portion of field blends, where the breakdown includes some indigenous white varieties (Valenciana/Doña Blanca, Godello and Palomino/Jerez) and around 1% other reds (Pan y Carne, Negrada and Gran Negro). All the fruit is from old hillside and hilltop vines from across Bierzo’s western edge - prime Bierzo terroir. A mix of barrique, demi-muid, and large cask are used for aging. New wood usage varies by year, with more in warm vintages and less in classic years. Petalos is vinified for immediate appeal, but retains the estate’s signature finesse and restraint. Aged 10 months in large oak tanks and bottled unfined and unfiltered, this is aromatic, polished and round, with warm red fruits, floral notes and layers of spice. A delicious value from of Spain's great winemakers.

About: Ricardo Perez and Alvaro Palacios founded Descendientes de J. Palacios winery in 1998 in Bierzo, in the northwestern corner of Spain. The best vineyards - located around the town of Corullon - are located on steep hillsides in the mountains on the western boundary of Bierzo. The soils are a mix of rocky, slate vineyards on steep slopes. Biodynamic farming is employed; the vineyards are plowed by horse and mule and harvested by hand.