Valdafoz 2025

Valdafoz is a Bierzo red from Descendientes de J. Palacios, made from Mencía with a small share of local white grapes, grown on the Valdafoz site itself. The vineyard sits on steep slopes of laminar schist, a layered slate like soil managed with cover crops to hold the ground against erosion. Schist warms quickly, drains freely and forces the roots through its fractures for water, which is what gives Bierzo Mencía its fresh fruit, floral lift and graphite minerality. The vines are 50 to 90 years old and farmed organically, cropping low and concentrating the fruit. After fermentation the wine ages for an extended period in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves rounds the tannins and adds a light smoke and spice while leaving the variety and the site clearly in view. The colour is a deep, vibrant ruby. The nose shows ripe red cherry and berry fruit, crushed herbs, pepper and a stony, mineral note, and the palate is medium to full bodied, fresh and savoury, with fine grained tannin and a long mineral finish. At 13 percent it stays light on its feet. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. Good with game, grilled meats and earthy dishes.