Region and Vineyards
Pétalos is assembled from vineyards spread across Bierzo, principally around Corullón and Villafranca del Bierzo, with additional parcels in Viariz, Hornija, Valtuille de Abajo and Otero. The sites range from 450 to 1,100 metres above sea level, combining steep hillsides, ridge tops and valley positions under a continental climate strongly moderated by Atlantic influence.
The geological mosaic is central to the wine's character. Around Corullón, old bush vines grow in early Cambrian slate layered with quartzite, sandstone and clay. Elsewhere, iron-rich clay, quartz pebbles and sandy soils along the Burbia River broaden the wine's texture and aromatic profile. The vines are 50 to 110 years old, dry-farmed and cultivated using traditional Bierzo methods, including mule work on difficult slopes. Low yields of about 23 hectolitres per hectare help concentrate flavour while preserving Mencía's naturally fragrant, refreshing personality.
Winemaking
The 2022 blend comprises 85% Mencía, 5% local red varieties and 10% white varieties. The supporting grapes include Alicante Bouschet, Gran Negro, Pan y Carne and Negreda, alongside Jerez, Valenciana and Malvasía. Harvesting was selective by village and vineyard, taking place from 29 August to 28 September.
The fruit was partially destemmed and crushed, then fermented with indigenous yeasts in wooden and stainless-steel vats. Punch-downs and pump-overs managed extraction during a 28-day maceration, building colour, aroma and supple structure without excessive weight. Malolactic fermentation lasted approximately six weeks in wood and stainless steel. The wine then matured for 10 months in barrels and large bocoy casks. It was bottled without fining, cold stabilisation or filtration, preserving its aromatic detail, tactile slate character and vivid fruit. Alcohol is a measured 13.5%, reinforcing the wine's freshness and graceful drinkability.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Bright ruby red with youthful violet reflections and moderate depth, suggesting freshness rather than excessive extraction.
- Aroma: Fragrant black cherry, boysenberry, ripe raspberry and pomegranate mingle with violet, hibiscus and dried flowers. Notes of wild herbs, rockrose, dried sage, black olive, anise, white pepper and cool slate add savoury complexity.
- Palate: Juicy and rounded, with ripe red and dark berry fruit supported by lively acidity and fine, supple tannins. Floral, herbal and peppery nuances return over a compact, mineral texture, leading to a fresh, persistent and gently savoury finish.
Did You Know?
Pétalos was created in 2001 as an accessible regional expression of Bierzo. Its name reflects the multitude of small vineyard parcels gathered into the blend, envisioned as individual petals forming a single flower. Producing it requires fruit from more than 300 separately managed plots, making this apparently approachable wine one of the estate's most logistically demanding cuvées.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Roast duck with sour-cherry sauce: The wine's cherry and pomegranate flavours mirror the sauce, while its lively acidity refreshes the duck's rich texture.
- Grilled lamb with rosemary and thyme: Savoury herbs echo the wine's rockrose, sage and pepper notes, while its supple tannins complement the lightly charred meat.
- Wild mushroom risotto: Earthy mushrooms bring forward Pétalos's mineral and herbal dimensions, while the wine's fresh acidity balances the creamy rice.
- Aged Manchego: The cheese's firm, nutty and salty character works beautifully with the wine's ripe fruit, fine tannins and subtly stony finish.
