Descendientes de Jose Palacios : Petalos 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the 2023 Petalos by Descendientes de Jose Palacios

Tasting

Appearance
This wine reveals an intense ruby hue, enhanced by delicate violet highlights that perfectly reflect its youth.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet stands out with floral notes of dried violet and aromas of wild blueberry. Subtle spicy hints of cinnamon and black pepper intertwine with a mineral imprint reminiscent of schist, offering a dark, nuanced and thoroughly elegant expression.

Palate
The attack reveals a remarkable balance between volume and finesse. The texture, carried by silky tannins, unfolds juicy flavours of morello cherry and liquorice. A beautiful liveliness extends the finish, which lasts over fifteen seconds, on notes of black tea, graphite and subtle balsamic nuances.

Food and wine pairings
This cuvée pairs beautifully with herb-roasted meats, such as lamb, or boldly flavoured seafood dishes like octopus. It also makes a surprisingly fine match with ash-ripened goat cheeses thanks to its lightly smoky notes.

Serving and cellaring
To preserve all the complexity of the 2023 Petalos, it is recommended to store it at a stable temperature between 12 and 14°C. Boasting a solid structure, this vintage can be enjoyed until around 2033, developing over time noble aromas of truffle and leather.

The authentic expression of Bierzo by Descendientes de Jose Palacios

The estate
Founded in 1998 by Álvaro Palacios and his brother Ricardo, the Descendientes de José Palacios estate sparked a true winegrowing renaissance in the Bierzo region of Castilla y León. Today, the Palacios family, led by Álvaro, runs this estate of around fifty hectares. A world-renowned benchmark, the property stands out for its commitment to biodynamics, certified in 2018, and its dedication to showcasing the local old vines. Respect for biodiversity and adaptation to climate challenges lie at the heart of their philosophy.

The vineyard
The vines thrive on the steep slopes of Bierzo, at altitudes ranging from 400 to over 700 metres. This singular terroir, composed of clay and schist soils, is home to old ungrafted Mencía vines cultivated on terraces. Due to the steep topography, all vineyard work is carried out by hand. The climate, of oceanic influence with continental nuances, encourages a slow and optimal ripening of the berries thanks to cool nights.

The vintage
2023 was marked by capricious weather, demanding rigorous and dedicated work in the plots. The growing cycle saw an alternation of cold and warm spells, as well as dry weeks followed by wetter episodes. After a rainy spring, May proved particularly hot, contrasting with a very cool June, before giving way to a more moderate summer.

Winemaking and aging
The crafting of the 2023 Petalos is based on a minimal-intervention approach. After manual destemming, the berries are crushed in the traditional way. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, with no fining or filtration prior to bottling. This Spanish wine then benefits from eleven months of ageing in century-old oak foudres with a capacity of 2,000 litres, with very low yields of less than 25 hl/ha.

Grape variety
100% Mencía.