Petalos, meaning ‘petals’, which in this case symbolise 100 grape-growing families and their 300 vineyard parcels. We are near the border of Galicia; the grape variety is Mencía and the wine region is Bierzo. The whole project is led by two Spanish winemaking legends, Álvaro Palacios and his nephew, Ricardo Pérez.

Pétalos has by now become a benchmark in the region. In the mixed plantings, 85% of the vines are Mencía, alongside old local varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Gran Negro, Pan y Carne, Negrada, etc.) that also go into the press, and there is still room for about 10% white varieties, including Jerez, Valenciana and Malvasía.

The vines are estimated to be between 50 and 100 years old. At the winery, most of the bunches are destemmed, followed by spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel and wooden vats. The 10 months of ageing is completed in used French oak barrels.

The new vintage is just as rustic as it is elegant. A purplish appearance, deeply penetrating pure flavours, an exciting structure and medium weight. Aromas of raspberry, blue flowers and graphite intertwine.

Ricardo has been studying biodynamic methods so closely and for so long that he was even behind the Spanish translation of Rudolf Steiner’s teachings. He has helped numerous nearby estates transition to these practices.