I admit it, I have a crush on wines from northwestern Spain.
Maybe I am drawn to the romantic visions of rugged winemakers toiling in the cool coastal weather. Or maybe it's because I am a seafood fanatic and this region is famous for it's world class treasures of the sea.
Or perhaps it is the fact that the most famous grapes from this region, Albarino and Mencia, almost always perform admirably in every price range.
I am virtually never disappointed by the crisp apple flavors of Albarino or the mineral laden, blueberry notes of Mencia.
Seriuously, if you find wines made from either of these grapes at a restaurant or wine shop, buy them with a sense of security.
The Petalos 2007 is made by Descendientes de José Palacios.
Gorgeous dark floral aromas, like violets. Tangy blueberry flavors and a firm minerality (like you get from some mineral waters) that holds it all together.
This wine is made with 100% Mencia grapes from the Bierzo region. The grapes are grown using biodynamic viticulture. Biodynamics involves organic grapegrowing practices plus many extra steps to insure the land is self-sustaining.
Alvaro Palacios is the winemaker. He is considered an iconoclast in the Spanish winemaking world. Alvaro took a chance on the then unknown Priorat region of Spain in the late eighties. And he has taken another well educated bet on the Bierzo region where the Mencia grape is grown. He also practices biodynamic viticulture, which firmly puts him in the domain of wine industry iconoclasts and romantics.
You can buy it online. $18
4 comments:
Totally in agreement with you about that region of Spain - and Roussillon, just across the border, has some true gems as well.
Petalos is certainly one of my favorite wines. Love the unlikely mix of depth, richness and freshness. Could drink that almost every day.
I couldn't agree more with you. This region is home to some of the most dynamic and passionate wine makers whom I've come across in years.
Petalos de Bierzo is a constant value in my cellar. Succulent wine at a very affordable price.
If you like the wines of Spain, have you checked out the imports from Eric Solomon Selections. He poured an incredible Vinas de Gain Blanco from Rioja- an 2005 Artai. It was even more lovely than the 2006 Pazo de Senorans, Albarino from Rias Baixas.
http://www.europeancellars.com/about.cfm
Hi Amy
Petalos is a fantastic wine and so versatile with food. Its my personal turkey day wine!
Arik
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