Moncerbal 2025

Moncerbal is a single-plot Bierzo red from Descendientes de J. Palacios, the winery founded in 1999 by Álvaro Palacios and his nephew Ricardo, drawn to the region for the potential of the Mencía grape. The wine comes from a named site in the Villa de Corullón, mostly south-west facing on steep slopes at an average of 700 metres, where the soils combine slate, quartz and marble. These poor, stony soils and the steep aspect restrict yields and force the vines to work, which concentrates the fruit, while the high altitude and continental climate bring cold nights that hold the grape's acidity and floral aromatics. A small amount of the white Palomino is co-fermented in the traditional Bierzo manner. The wine ages 14 months in French oak, which firms the structure and adds a fine spice through slow oxygen exchange without overwhelming the fruit. It pours a bright, medium-deep red. The nose leads with fresh strawberry and raspberry, violet and a clear mineral, slate-driven character. The palate is fresh and structured, with fine-grained tannins, lively acidity and a long, savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted, with roast meats and game.