Produced by Descendientes de J. Palacios in CorullĂłn, Bierzo, Moncerbal 2014 is one of the estateâs iconic single-vineyard wines and a benchmark expression of MencĂa from one of Spainâs greatest terroirs. Founded in 1999 by Ricardo PĂ©rez Palacios and his uncle Ălvaro Palacios, whose work helped revolutionise both Priorat and Bierzo, the estate has been instrumental in restoring the regionâs historic hillside vineyards and demonstrating the extraordinary potential of old-vine MencĂa. Moncerbal originates from a tiny vineyard of less than one hectare, planted around 1904 on steep terraces of decomposed slate (pizarra), where Atlantic influences, altitude and ancient soils produce wines of exceptional finesse, minerality and longevity. The estate follows organic farming principles, preserving the biodiversity and heritage of these remarkable old vineyards.
Made predominantly from MencĂa, with tiny amounts of traditional co-planted local varieties found within the historic vineyard, Moncerbal 2014 is vinified with indigenous yeasts and a restrained, terroir-focused philosophy that allows the character of the site to take centre stage. The wine opens with beautifully layered aromas of wild blackberry, black cherry and raspberry, intertwined with violet, graphite, crushed slate, Mediterranean herbs and delicate spice. The palate is remarkably elegant and precise, combining vibrant acidity, silky tannins and outstanding mineral tension with exceptional depth and a seemingly endless finish. Revered as one of the finest expressions of MencĂa ever produced, Moncerbal is a profound, age-worthy wine whose transparent expression of terroir has earned comparisons with the worldâs greatest single-vineyard wines. It pairs magnificently with roast lamb, game, wild mushrooms, Iberian pork and mature hard cheeses.
