Page 150 - GV2020 Portfolio Master

Bodegas Chaves
In 1986, Chaves was one of the
first to market wines protected by MONTERREI
the denomination VDT Winemaking was introduced to the area by the ancient Romans, whose influence is confirmed by
guaranteeing the origin of the number of presses and vessels that have been dug up here. In 1994, Monterrei regained the
Albariño del Salnés. They then
actively assisted in the creation DO status that had been stripped from it because local producers failed to modernize their
of the renowned DO Rías Baixas, wineries sufficiently. Since then, it has won much acclaim. Climatically, the region is very
proud to appear as the 2nd different from the rest of Galicia. Monterrei's inland location makes it warm and dry during
winery in order of registration. summer and very cold in winter, more in line with the vineyards of Castilla y Leon to the
At the western end of the Celtic
corridor of the Atlantic, in east. This is largely due to the rain shadow effect produced by the Sierra de Larouca mountain
Galicia, José Chaves Chaves range.
founded the winery in 1955.

Bodegas Chaves table31imports.com
Silva Daponte Godello Monterrei 2018 (6pk)
Descendientes de J. Palacios $131.90
In Corullón, Alvaro Palacios and
his nephew, Ricardo Palacios
Perez have found something
extremely special; Old vineyards
line the precipitous hillsides and
the local soils are extremely
poor—composed mostly of BIERZO
schist—but with incredible
diversity. The minute variations in Bierzo is located in a small northwestern pocket of Castilla y Léon, caught between the neighbour-
soils and exposures across this ing regions of Galicia and Asturias. Vitis vinifera were brought to the area by the Romans, but it
zone immediately reminded the was the Cistercian monks who cultivated and expanded Bierzo’s vineyards when they settled there
two of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, or in the ninth century. Bierzo was accorded DO status in 1989 and in the past few years has experi-
Piedmont’s Langhe hills. The enced a surge in popularity thanks to the high-profile winemaker Alvaro Palacios of Priorat fame
biodynamic estate focuses on
single-vineyard expressions, but establishing vineyards there. Bierzo's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has a profound effect on its
has also had extraordinary overall climate, with average temperatures during the growing season much cooler than in Castilla y
success with Pétalos, their hillside Leon's more inland areas, making it rather mild—ideal for its most prized vine, Mencía.
blend.

Descendientes de José Palacios rarewineco.com
(please in quire about back-vintages)
Losada Viños de Finca J. Palacios Mencía Bierzo Pétalos 2017 $227.90 93JS
Losada was established in 2004
on the outskirts of the village of J. Palacios Mencía Bierzo Corullon 2017 $443.90 94-96WA
Pieros, on the Camino de J. Palacios Mencía Bierzo Moncerbal 2016 (6pk) $449.95 91D, 96-97JS
Santiago with the intention of
planting Mencía on clay soils. The J. Palacios Mencía Bierzo Las Lamas 2017 (6pk) $641.90 95-97WA
skins of Mencía grapes grown on
clay soils are more hydrated and
less thick, the structure more
mellow, the wines generally softer
in feel. The sustainably-farmed
fruit is harvested by hand and
naturally fermented using the
indigenous yeasts. Cooperage is
100 percent French, with a Losada Viños de Finca classicalwines.com
minimum barrel capacity of 300L.
Losada Mencía Bierzo Pajaro Rojo 2016 $155.90 96JS

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