Bodegas Raul Perez Bierzo La Vizcaína La Vitoriana 2023

	From visionary winemaker Raúl Pérez
	From La Vitoriana, the finest cru of Valtuille
	Young wonderful with grilled meat, aged perfect with game

Mencia & Bastardo

Deep red in color, refined on the nose with floral nuances, spices, flint, and a hint of oak. The elegant flavor structure finishes aromatically with mild tannins. A complex red wine; excellent when drunk young with spicy lamb or beef; delicious with game after a few years.

Raul Perez with his beautiful wines from Bierzo

If there is anyone who has put the unique terroir of Bierzo on the map, it is Raúl Pérez. In his native village of Valtuille de Abajo, alongside his iconic Ultreia range, he produces this magnificent La Vizcaína series. These are bottlings from the crus surrounding Valtuille, each and every one from vines at least 50 years old.

La Vitoriana is considered the finest cru of Valtuille. The vineyard was planted in 1890 and totals about four hectares, of which 1.8 are owned by Raúl. La Vitoriana has a compact clay soil and is planted primarily with Mencia and Bastardo, plus a blend of Garnacha Tintorera, Doña Blanco, and Palomino.

The vinification process is broadly the same for all wines in the La Vizcaína series. After the harvest, fermentation with whole grape clusters takes place in oak barrels. Characteristic is the fairly long maceration of the skins that Raúl subsequently subjects the wine to, lasting around sixty to ninety days. After this, the wine ages for another year in used wooden barrels. Bottling takes place without filtering or fining.

The end result is difficult to put into words. Pure, intense, powerful, and exquisitely refined all at once. A truly magnificent Mencia blend that you absolutely must experience. Drink it between two and ten years after the harvest, preferably with a fine meat or game dish.