• Garnacha,  Mencía,  Spain,  Weekend Selection

    Weekend Selection

    Dominio do Bibei Ribeira Sacra Lalama 2012 Dominio do Bibei is located in the Quiroga-Bibei sub zone of the Ribeira Sacra D.O. Like all Ribeira Sacra sub zones, this area is one of spectacular mountain ranges and rivers, but it is drier and harsher than the others. Javier Dominguez is the brainchild of this crazy adventure to recapture a once grand vineyard. Javier’s vision is reflected in the winery and its simple design. Gravity rules. There are no stainless steel tanks; wood or cement are the vehicles of choice and they come in all the different sizes. The idea is to return to the past to rediscover what was once…

  • Bierzo,  Mencía,  Spain,  Weekend Selection

    Weekend Selection

    Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2010 Bierzo, Spain A few years ago I was introduced to this little gem from Spain, Pétalos, and was very impressed with the wine.  Bierzo is a small appellation located in the northwest corner of Spain and produces wines that are more similar to those made in Galicia than the region to which it is attached: Old Castile.  During the 1990s, with the help from a small group of winemakers, the name of Bierzo came to light.  The main grape variety of the appellation, Mencía, is able to generate a fruity and well balanced wine (the unique red Mencía grape is said to have been…