In the north of Spain, east of Leon, where the foothills of the Pyrenees flatten out and its straight to the coast. The regions of Riberia Sacra and Bierzo grow the red grape Mencia.
A small amount of hectares is actually grown of the thick-skinned blue-ish grapes but it accounts for approximately 2/3rds of the vineyards in Bierzo. Alvaro Palacios, a producer who has proved himself time and time again as not only an accomplished winemaker, but also as a pioneer and influencer for Spanish quality is responsible for this single varietal Mencia (instead of blending it away.)
Sharing the same DNA as the Portugese grape Jaen planted in the Dao, viticulturally the vines are low yielding, susceptible to rot and botrytis. The rolling foothills, terraced slopes make for ideal planting conditions.
This wine was brought to a local wine night, where we taste blind. After revealing, I was pleasantly surprised that it was made by the same Palacios, that I had tasted the week prior.
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2015 Petalos - Bierzo
Nose: Medium +
Orange zest, pomegranate, pepper and sweet pipe tobacco.
Palate: Medium +
Full bodied, great acidty and dry. Would hold for another couple years. Tannins are well integrated, fruit driven with a smooth finish. Black cherry licorice, plums and dried blueberries with some bitter spice on the finish. A linger of that same rich tobacco from the nose on the finish. Would definitely drink again.
Cheers!