Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Desc J. Palacios
Label Name:
 
Moncerbal
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
Spain
Region:
 
DO Bierzo (Corullón / Moncerbal)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Mencía
Method:
 
Hand-harvested old-vine Mencía; fermented in small open vats with indigenous yeasts, extended maceration, aged ~14–16 months in French oak (new), bottled largely unfined/unfiltered; biodynamic/organic viticulture.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
3
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Bright dark-berry and cherry fruit with floral (rose) notes, crushed-stone minerality, orange zest and spice. Silky, fine-grained tannins, lively acidity and a long mineral-saline finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: roast lamb, grilled beef, pork shoulder, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses. Asian: char siu, Peking duck, Korean BBQ (bulgogi), miso-glazed eggplant, mushroom ramen, Sichuan-style beef stir-fry.
Vineyard Info:
 
Descendientes de J. Palacios (Álvaro Palacios & Ricardo Pérez Palacios). Moncerbal is a single‑vineyard bottling from steep, slate/quartz/marble soils near Corullón from century‑old bush vines; very limited production.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Luis Gutiérrez / The Wine Advocate 97; Robert Parker 97; James Suckling 96; Decanter 96; Falstaff 96