Imalia 3 parcelas 2021 - "Pedacinhos de Terra que nos transmitem alma"

Imalia 3 Parcelas 2021 is a red from Bierzo, Spain, and marks the debut of the prestigious Toro Albalá's "Imalia" project in the region. It's made exclusively from Mencía, from century-old vines in three distinct plots with varied soils (limestone, clay and slate), giving it unique complexity. 

The Wine Advocate: There are two wines for now, starting with the 2021 Imalia 3 Parcelas, an old-vine cuvée made with Mencía from three small plots of old vines in Cacabelos and Ponferrada. The destemmed grapes fermented with indigenous yeasts and had a one-month maceration. The wines (each plot separately) matured in 500-litre barrels for 13 months. There are some creamy, toasty and spicy notes, and the fruit is at a medium level of ripeness. The wine has a moderate 13.4% alcohol and a medium-bodied palate with abundant, slightly earthy tannins. I believe the oak was newer in this first vintage and seems to have marked the wine, which should absorb it with more time, and in future vintages as the barrels age. 4,331 bottles were produced. The wine was bottled in March 2023.

James Suckling: This wine has a perfumed aroma of violets, red plums and pink peppercorns. Juicy and fruity on the palate, medium-bodied with ripe tannins. Focused and fresh. Drink and enjoy.