Anything made by Raúl Pérez is a treasure. Widely regarded as one of Spain’s most talented and exciting winemakers, Pérez is known for his love of indigenous Spanish grapes, sourced impeccably and vinified in tiny amounts. 

Though Raúl’s projects span the Spanish wine appellations, his Bierzo lineup has a personal touch. This is where he lives, and where his family has worked as wine growers for over 300 years. His 2021 Ultreia la Vitoriana, which is labeled merely as mencia, in fact contains mencia and bastardo (trousseau), with tiny amounts of garnacha tintorera (alicante bouschet), dona blanca and palomino, all sourced from vines planted in 1903, on a mix of clay and quartz soils. The aromatics are autumnal and somewhat primal with notes of Blue Pearmain apple, black cherry, buckwheat honey, and a hint of smoked cacao nib. On the palate, fresh cranberry, violet leaf, and salmiak licorice join the fray, as well as polite but commanding tannin. Plenty of freshness by way of acidity, and a long finish. Drink this majestic wine anytime in the next ten years. 

This wine is a pre-sale with expected arrival of end of year.