2013 La Faraona Descendientes De J.Palacios 750ml

Based on the traditional viticultural practices of Bierzo.

Optimum drinking time after its 10th year in bottle. High ageing potential. Alcohol: 13%

Alvaro Palacios makes wines in three historic regions with deep spiritual traditions: Rioja Oriental, Priorat and Bierzo. Each of these areas, with their mystery and singular beauty, retain the legacy of ancestral viticulture practices and a captivating bond between nature and history. Alvaro Palacios strives to reach an affinity with the physical, natural and historical surroundings of each area. They follow organic practices to return to a primeval harmony. They value and praise the spiritual imprint and the know-how accrued over centuries of farming tradition. Their wines, born in various locations, all share a sense of maturity, purity, balance and life. An organic endeavour: nature.

The grapes come from one owned parcel, the village area of El Ferro Corullon. Soils: early Cambrian period. Slates with a thick layered structured, arranged in an horizontal way 30cm away from the surface together with quartzite, sandstone and clay. Its soil is characterised by being placed in a tectonic fault, due mainly to possible eruptions. Minerals such as cobalt, titanium apart from iron, manganese and pyrite can be found. Orography: very steep slopes. Orientation: South-East. Vineyard height: from 2,624 to 2,821 feet /from 800 to 860 m. Climate: continental with a very important Atlantic influence. Rainfall: 36.16 inches /918,8 mm. Average temperature: min. -3.76°C max. 21.35 °C Annual Average: 8.37 °C. Daylight hours: 2.116 hours. Age of vines: 70 years. Planting density of vines: 2,832 vines per acre/7,000 vines per hectare. Pruning style: head-bush pruning. Cultivation methods: cover crop. Production per hectare: 2.4/7 Hl per acre / 6,15 HI per hectare. Harvesting: selective according to the village and the vineyard site. Destemming-crushing: partial. Alcoholic fermentation: small oak open vats "bazuqueos - pillages". Malolactic fermentation: spontaneous in oak barrels. Maceration: 26 days. Ageing: 13 months. Total acidity: 5.8 gr/L, pH: 3.94. Volatile acidity: 1.33.

Tasting Note

La Faraona is to Bierzo what the Corton Grand Cru hill is to the Côtes de Beaune in Burgundy. The vineyard is 900 metres above sea level, composed of slate soils, producing an extremely elegant expression of Mencía with goji berry, fennel and wild herbs. Elegant and silky smooth on the palate with a distinctive mineral finish.