2023 Descendientes de José Palacios Al Chelo

The Descendientes de J. Palacios Winery and the Rise of Modern Bierzo

Descendientes de J. Palacios was founded in 1999, when Álvaro Palacios and his cousin Ricardo Pérez Palacios decided to write a new chapter in Bierzo. Drawing on their expertise in Priorat and Rioja, they created a project entirely focused on rediscovering old Mencía vineyards on the extremely steep slopes surrounding the village of Corullón. Here, the slate soil forms the foundation for wines with finesse, tension, and great aromatic depth.

The estate manages approximately 35 hectares of vineyards, divided into over 200 small plots. These plots are situated at varying elevations and exposures, ensuring clear distinction between the cuvées. The style is pure, precise, and transparent, with oak playing a supporting role without overpowering the terroir. In recent decades, the wines have played a crucial role in the revaluation of Bierzo as a premium wine region, with the Corullón Grand Cru plots in particular gaining international acclaim.

The origins of Al Chelo: a new Grand Cru-worthy vineyard

Al Chelo is one of the estate's most intriguing newcomers. The wine comes from the Valdafoz zone of Corullón, on an extremely steep slope that in some areas reaches a gradient of as much as seventy percent. This north-to-northeast-facing position once meant the grapes could only ripen optimally a few years per decade, but thanks to the current warmer climate, the plot now reaches perfect ripeness much more frequently.

The soil consists of laminar slate, a very poor and thin subsoil that produces wines with a pronounced mineral character. In 2023, this resulted in a wine that combines both power and freshness, with a remarkably energetic structure. Moreover, Al Chelo was only recently identified as a separate cuvée, as the plot size, aging consistency, and quality were previously insufficiently reliable to justify independent vinification. This 2023 is therefore the first commercially available edition.

The grapes: old vines Mencía and Jerez

Al Chelo 2023 is composed of 95 percent Mencía and 5 percent Jerez, sourced from vines fifty to ninety years old. These old vines produce low yields and concentrated fruit. The northern exposure allows the grapes to retain their freshness, while the altitude—between 612 and 675 meters—ensures slow ripening and aromatic complexity.

Mencía is known for its bright fruit, floral nuances, spiciness, and a structure that can be both subtle and powerful. Jerez (also known as Bastardo) is an ancient indigenous grape that adds finesse, aromatic lift, and refinement. Together, they create a wine with tension, depth, and great elegance.

Vinification and maturation of the 2023 vintage

The harvest was hand-harvested, with selection carried out directly in the vineyard due to the steep terrain and limited production. The grapes were partially destemmed and fermented in wooden barrels. During fermentation, the caps were gently pressed to maintain controlled and elegant extraction, in keeping with the estate's refined style.

The aging took place in a combination of barriques and bocoys for 8.5 months. This is shorter than other wines from the estate, as this wine has more powerful tannins that require extra precision. The use of oak remained subtle, although this was the only 2023 cuvée where the winery deliberately used a little more oak to polish the structure.

Only 1,244 bottles were produced in total, making this cuvée extremely rare. Bottled in May 2025, the wine now shows all the signs of a grand and long-lived mountain vineyard terroir.

With its first vintage (2023), the wine immediately scored 100/100 points from Atkins. Luis Gutiérrez of Parker (99/100) concludes his rating, "….Anyway, this is the one I'll keep for longer even if it's difficult to resist pulling the cork - Drink Date: 2027-2045"

Color, aroma and taste of Al Chelo 2023

The wine opens with expressive aromas of pomegranate, cherry, and subtle citrus zest. Floral notes, mint, balsamic influences, and a slight reductive tension give the aroma depth and complexity. The distinct presence of slate—talc, smoke, minerality—creates a recognizable Corullón signature.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied yet remarkably intense. The tannins are fine, responsive, and energetic, giving the wine a lively structure. The fruit is clear and pure, supported by fresh acidity and a unique tension typical of high-altitude plot wines. The finish is long, mineral, and precise, with notes of cherry, herbs, and slate. This vintage displays a combination of youthful expression and an underlying power that will only fully unfold after several years of bottle aging.

Maturation potential and development

The 2023 Al Chelo is one of the estate's most energetic and structured wines. It already displays great precision, yet is clearly still youthful and closed. The firm yet elegant tannins, the pure fruit structure, and the mineral undertones give the wine aging potential until at least 2040. In the coming years, reductive notes will open up, and floral, spicy, and earthy nuances will emerge more strongly.

For lovers of grand, mountainous terroir wines in the style of Priorat, Ribeira Sacra, and Alto Piemonte, this wine offers an exceptional combination of finesse, tension, and depth. This is a cuvée to cellar and patiently follow.

Would you like to order wines from Descendientes de J. Palacios online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Grilled rack of lamb with rosemary. The spiciness and texture complement the energetic tannins perfectly.
• Mushroom ravioli with sage butter. The earthy notes enhance the wine's floral and mineral nuances.
• Grilled Dorada with citrus herbs. The freshness of the dish complements the clean acidity and lightness of Mencía.
• Slow-cooked veal steak. The soft texture allows for the elegant tension of the wine.
• Roasted eggplant with miso and sesame. The savory flavors blend beautifully with the balsamic and herbal notes.