Raul Perez Ultreia Valtuille Bierzo 2023

Raul Perez Ultreia Valtuille Bierzo 

Region: Bierzo, Castilla y León,Spain

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Mencia

ABV: 13.5%

A wine of exceptional fragrance, structure and depth of flavour. On the nose bright red berry notes are married with subtle hints of violet and herbal nuances. Poised on the palate with ripe velvety tannins and a crisp acidity that carries the complex flavours onto the lingering finish.

The Mencía grapes for ‘Valtuille’ come from a 1.7-hectare parcel within ‘Las Villegas’ - one of Raúl’s most celebrated estate vineyards in Valtuille de Abajo. This was one of the first vineyards in the area to be replanted post phylloxera and boasts especially low-yielding vines over 120 years old. The vines are planted on sandy soils and are farmed following organic and sustainable practices.

Upon arrival at the winery, fermentation takes place in used oak vats with indigenous yeasts and 100% whole-bunch. Only very gentle extraction techniques are used, with no punch-downs or pump-overs. Following fermentation and a long maceration on the skins, the wine is racked off and aged in used, French oak barrels of varying sizes for 12 months before bottling

Raúl Pérez has played a pivotal role in Spain’s vinous revolution. Widely considered to be one of the world’s most fascinating, talented and restless winemakers, he has inspired a new generation of winemakers in Bierzo and beyond. While Raúl is involved in many projects across Spain and abroad, his home remains Valtuille de Abajo, the Bierzo village where he was born and raised. His family have a long-standing tradition of grape growing in the region, dating back to the 1750s. After studying oenology, Raúl spent several years working at his family winery, Castro Ventosa, before striking out on his own in 2005. He has worked tirelessly to preserve Bierzo’s viticultural heritage, developing an unparalleled understanding of the region, its vineyards and indigenous varieties.