Petalos 2005

Funny thing, Joseph, I was just reading about this wine elsewhere today, from yet another Floridian, "Florida" Jim Cowan. The consensus seems to be that these wines are no longer quite as juicy and vibrant as they once were, and showing a bit more oaky. Still, Mencia (the grape of Bierzo) produces lighter wines, so perhaps it was just an inherent difficulty.

Mark Lipton

Hi,

I am quite fond of Petalos del Bierzo, but I agree with the idea that this is a wine that has gained in depth and is fatter now that the average Bierzo from Mencía.

Don't forget that Alvaro Palacios, who is behind this winery (in charge is his nephew, Ricardo Palacios) is a former salesman for oak barrels so he knows a bit about maturing wine in oak.

Also, another issue with good and concentrated wines from Bierzo is that Mencia is quite a reductive grape. Some friends have commented about that. However, for the price (10 euros in Spain) is usually quite a good wine, much more serious that I expect for the price.

Santiago

Just curious; what do you mean by "a reductrive grape"?

Andy

AyTee wrote in news:1177810977.380141.34400 @e65g2000hsc.googlegroups.com:

A grape that makes wine with a tendency to show reduction in a bigger manner than other varieties. Cabernet Franc is another grape that I would say is reductive.

S.