ALVARO PALACIOS 'Petalos' - Mencia Descedientes De Palacios 2022 Bottle ORG

Description

IN BRIEF
Álvaro Palacios' pioneering spirit is evident in his exploration of the Bierzo region, where he identified the untapped potential of the Mencía grape. Since 1997, alongside his nephew Ricardo Pérez Palacios, he has embraced the unique terroir characterized by steep slopes and pre-Cambrian soils. The 2022 Pétalos is a vibrant wine with a captivating ruby red color and an exquisite aromatic profile. On the nose, it reveals enticing scents of strawberries, ripe currants, and blueberries, alongside floral notes of violets and subtle spices. Aged for 10 months in French oak, it beautifully balances ripeness with fresh characteristics. The Wine Advocate awarded it 93 points, while James Suckling rated it 92 points, highlighting its juicy character and fine-boned tannins.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
Álvaro Palacios' pioneering spirit is exemplified in his exploration of the Bierzo region, where he saw the untapped potential of the Mencía grape. Since 1997, alongside his nephew Ricardo Pérez Palacios, he has embraced the unique terroir of this area, characterised by steep, precipitous slopes and pre-Cambrian soils, some of the oldest in Europe.

The result is the 2022 Pétalos, a vibrant wine that captivates with its ruby red colour and an exquisite aromatic profile. On the nose, it reveals enticing scents of strawberries, ripe currants, and blueberries, complemented by fragrant floral notes of violets, subtle spices, and light licorice. Aged for 10 months in French oak, this wine beautifully balances ripeness with refreshing cool-climate characteristics, resulting in a harmonious and silky texture.

The Wine Advocate awarded it 93 points, noting that the Pétalos was produced from 85% Mencía, along with a blend of white grapes and other reds sourced from over 90 hectares. The fermentation process involves some whole clusters in oak and stainless steel vats, contributing to its Mediterranean style with notes of rockrose and juicy, round fruit expression.

James Suckling rated it 92 points, appreciating the notes of black olives, hibiscus, and ripe cherries, which contribute to its juicy character. The wine's fine-boned tannins and structured, full-bodied palate create an exceptionally satisfying drinking experience.

Vinous provided a score of 91 points, describing the infusion-like style of the 2022 Pétalos. The wine showcases pomegranate and dried flower hints, finishing with a compact, slate-textured profile and fresh fruit flavours that echo its aromatic complexity.

Overall, the Alvaro Palacios 2022 Pétalos captures the essence of Bierzo, presenting a remarkable expression of Mencía that is both approachable and sophisticated, making it a wonderful addition to any wine lover's collection.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 93 points
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
Drink Date: 2024 - 2029
The 2022 Pétalos was produced with 85% Mencía, 10% white grapes and 5% other reds from over 90 hectares, 20% owned by them and the rest from 180 families. It fermented with some full clusters in oak and stainless steel vats and matured in barrels of different sizes for 10 months. It's clearly more Mediterranean, with notes of rockrose and other aromatic herbs, juicy and round, more fruit-driven, aromatic, velvety and very pleasant and easy to drink. It has 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.54. It's still not all bottled, as it's done in different lots, for a total of around 270,000 bottles and 3,000 magnum.

JAMES SUCKLING 92 points
Notes of black olives, hibiscus, ripe red cherries and some baked berries. Still quite juicy, with fine-boned tannins and a full-bodied palate. Round, structured and long. Drink now.
Zekun Shuai

VINOUS 91
Drinking Window 2025 - 2035
From: The Vivacious Reds of Ribeira Sacra and El Bierzo (Feb 2025)
The 2022 Pétalos is Mencía & others from Bierzo. About 30% of the grapes come from Corullón, with the rest from the valley. In an infusion-like style, the 2022 offers pomegranate, dried flower and violet hints in a reductive context. It finishes compact and slate-textured, with fine fruit flavors. Fresh on the palate, it mirrors its aromatic profile. - By Joaquín Hidalgo on February 2025

-----

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Álvaro Palacios is a renowned Spanish winemaker recognized for his exceptional contributions to the world of fine wine, particularly in the Priorat and Bierzo regions of Spain. With a deep-rooted commitment to quality and a passion for the unique terroir of these areas, Palacios has established himself as one of the leading figures in modern Spanish viticulture.

Founded in 1998, Álvaro Palacios' estate is characterized by its dedication to producing limited quantities of high-quality wines that reflect the essence of their origin. His vineyards are situated on steep, rocky slopes rich in schist and slate, which create ideal conditions for growing the indigenous grape varieties that thrive in the region, including Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan). These varietals are carefully cultivated to produce wines that are powerful yet elegant, showcasing the complexity and minerality of the terroir.

Álvaro Palacios is particularly celebrated for his flagship wine, "Les Terrasses," which has garnered international acclaim for its depth and finesse. This wine demonstrates the harmonious balance of ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and the characteristic minerality of Priorat. Other notable offerings include "Finca Dofi" and "L'Ermita," both of which exemplify Palacios' mastery of traditional winemaking techniques and his ability to produce wines that age beautifully.

Sustainability and respect for the environment are integral to Álvaro Palacios' philosophy. He emphasizes minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery, allowing the natural qualities of the grapes to shine. This approach not only enhances the integrity of the wines but also promotes the health of the vineyards, preserving the unique ecosystem of the region.

As Álvaro Palacios continues to push the boundaries of Spanish winemaking, his wines remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the globe. Each bottle reflects the craftsmanship, passion, and dedication that define his work, inviting wine lovers to explore the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of Priorat and Bierzo. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or savoured for their complexity, wines from Álvaro Palacios offer a remarkable experience, celebrating the artistry of Spanish winemaking.