At a glance

Producer

Vinedos y Bodega Pardevalles

Region

D.O. Tierra de León, Castilla y León, Spain

Grape variety

Prieto Picudo

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-45 (rare, secondary markets for mature vintages)

Tasting profile

Dried red fruits, stewed plum, earth, leather, and mushroom. Reduced primary fruit. Elegant mouthfeel.

Evolution: Transitioned from fresh black cherry and florals in youth to secondary and tertiary notes: cedar, dried herbs, leather.

At peak: At/just past peak; graceful faded fruit, savory complexity best enjoyed now.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, characteristic of Prieto Picudo

Tannins

Medium, integrated and soft with age

Alcohol

13-14% ABV (typical for this wine)

Aging potential

12-15 years with ideal storage, many bottles now at plateau or slight decline

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2012 to 2016

Optimal window

2010 to 2018

Current status

Late drinking window; at or just past optimal maturity

Current condition

Likely fully mature, showing tertiary notes, with risk of decline if not perfectly cellared

Prieto Picudo produces structured reds with notable acidity and age worthiness, but by 2024 the 2006 vintage is likely at the very end of its optimal trajectory. Best bottles will show layered complexity, but most are likely to have passed peak vibrancy.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, roast game, mushroom risotto, hard aged cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Hand-harvesting, focus on native varieties (Prieto Picudo), minimal irrigation, energy-efficient cellar practices (partial solar integration), lighter-weight bottles, on-site composting.

Pardevalles is a well-respected family winery that values sustainability, shown by native grape focus, hand farming, and energy efficiency, though lacking formal environmental certifications. Carbon emissions are moderate; efforts are made to mitigate with lighter packaging and efficient logistics. Not at the top tier, but importantly above global industry average.