Descendientes de J. Palacios, Bierzo (Galicia, Spain) 2019

 If you have never heard of or tasted a wine made from a red grape called Mencia from Bierzo, a small Spanish wine region, you are missing a delicious experience.  Bierzo Is located in the northwestern corner of Castilla y Léon very near Galicia.  The Mencia grape thrives in this cool area in the hands of one of Spain’s most important wine winemakers, Alvaro Palacios.  He is renowned for his efforts with a few other pioneers to revive the Priorat region.  His Iconic wine L’Ermita is considered one of Spain’s best.  Descendientes de J. Palacios is a joint venture by Palacios and his nephew Ricardo Perez.  Twenty percent of the grapes come from estate vineyards farmed biodynamically.  The remaining grapes come from local growers who farm organically or are in the process of converting to organic farming.  The 2019 Petalos boasts a rich ruby color and inviting aromas of black cherry, blueberry fruit with notes fresh roses.  It is medium bodied with flavors of black cherries, blueberries and blackberries with floral notes and hints of dusty minerals.  We served it with bacon wrapped chicken breasts, roasted potatoes and fresh green beans.