Weekly Wine Review - Mencia - 2010 Descendientes de José Palacios Bierzo Pétalos

Bierzo is a relatively new Spanish wine region (since 1989) in the northwest part of Spain, near Galacia (home of the Spanish white wine Albariño) and the border with Portugal. The key red grape here is Mencia, a grape you are very unlikely to see anywhere but in a Spanish wine from this region.

Wine: 2010 Descendientes de José Palacios Bierzo Pétalos

Region: Bierzo, Spain
Grape Varieties: Mencia

Obtained from: Purchased at Ultimate Wine Shop

Price: $18.00

Wino4Life Category: Everyday Wine

Aeration before tasting: Just a swirl or two, no special aeration.

Cork Condition: Natural Cork - no defects or issues.

Appearance: Wine is clear, dark red at the core with a water white rim.

Aroma: Nice aromas of black cherry and cola, with a nice hint of oak.  Some reviews I have read mention licorice, but I did not get any - too bad, I love licorice!

Taste: Nice acidity with nicely balanced tannins.  The aftertaste is a balance of fruit with minerality, very delicious.

The Grade: I give this one an A.  Clearly the winemakers in Bierzo are trying to make a name for themselves amongst the well established wine regions elsewhere in Spain. I am already a big fan of Rioja, Priorat, Ribera del Duero and other Spanish wines, and I will definitely try more wines from this area and may be adding Bierzo to my favorites list!