{"title":"Mencía","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover wines made from Mencía at Vinogrande: a selection of producers and regions that shows the character of this grape.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"el-castro-de-valtuille-joven-2022","title":"El Castro de Valtuille Joven 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEl Castro de Valtuille Joven 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Spanish red from Bierzo, made mainly from Mencía by one of the world's most prestigious winemakers, Raúl Pérez.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaúl Pérez needs no introduction: one of the world's best growers and award-winning many times over. This Valtuille is an exquisite young Mencía for every budget, letting us get close to Bierzo's exciting native grape in all its splendour, with very little influence from ageing in old 5,000-litre wood, and enjoy the mysteries of the master winemaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e• 91+ Points Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate):\u003c\/strong\u003e Awarded by the prestigious critic Luis Gutiérrez. The \"+\" indicates the wine exceeded expectations for its category and has potential to evolve even better in bottle. It was praised as a \"juicy, fruit-focused and very approachable\" red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e• 93 Points James Suckling: \u003c\/strong\u003eSuckling is widely known for valuing wines with excellent energy, purity of fruit and liveliness, qualities that align perfectly with the profile of this red by Raúl Pérez. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.• 91 Points Guía Peñín:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spain's most important wine guide rated it 91 points, consolidating its status as a top-quality benchmark among young Spanish reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e• 90 Points Enterwine: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Spanish review portal confirmed the consistency and balanced profile of this vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Castro Ventosa","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":40265791242380,"sku":"","price":8.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/el-castro-de-valtuille-joven-2022-8802138.png?v=1761787068"},{"product_id":"vino-tinto-pajaro-loco-mencia-2024","title":"Vino Tinto Pájaro Loco Mencía 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003ePájaro Loco Mencía 2024 is a young Spanish red made by Prima Vinia Wines (part of the Privios group) in D.O. Monterrei, Galicia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrima Vinia Wines was born as a renewal, a learning process. Wine is innovation and research, but it's also history. Its slogan is \"taste the future of tradition\". Taste it on the palate and the nose, because wine is enjoyed through the senses, yet each bottle is the result of a project looking to the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePájaro Loco is like life itself: there's a fine line between madness and genius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red, garnet colour with a violet rim, good legs and deep colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Complex and very intense, with red fruit such as strawberry, blackberry or raspberry, vegetal notes and occasional hints of coffee, cocoa and chocolate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Enveloping, glyceric and velvety, medium structure, sweet tannins. Smooth and easy to drink, with good persistence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Privios Wines","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":48598803939665,"sku":"","price":11.4,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/vino-tinto-pajaro-loco-mencia-2022-7792132.jpg?v=1761785706"},{"product_id":"ladairo-mencia-2024","title":"Ladairo Mencía 2024","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLadairo Mencíais a red of great personality, made from hand-selected grapes from balanced, low-yielding vines. Most of these vines are over 30 years old and are in two plots on the south slope of Mount Ladairo, in the village of O Rosal (Oímbra, Ourense).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrapes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made mainly from Mencía, often alongside Arauxa (the local name for Tempranillo).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfile: \u003c\/strong\u003eKnown as a fresh, fruity and very balanced wine, typical of Monterrei reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal with all kinds of meat and Galician dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"product-field-display\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Ladairo","offers":[{"title":"2024","offer_id":49730640052561,"sku":"","price":9.8,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/ladairo-mencia-2022-1844633.jpg?v=1761786636"},{"product_id":"ladairo-barrica-2018-2022","title":"Ladairo Barrica 2018\/2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eLadairo Barrica reflects the native character of DO Monterrei. Made mainly from Mencía with a small share of Araúxa (as Tempranillo is known locally) and Merenzao. Hand-picked at optimal ripeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdegas Ladairo vinifies each grape variety separately, blending after each has been macerated and fermented. To finish, Ladairo Barrica 2018 goes into French, American and Hungarian oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and rests for 8 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLadairo Barrica at a Glance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e D.O. Monterrei, Galicia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Mencía (from selected vineyards).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAgeing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Usually around 8 to 10 months in French and American oak barrels, adding structure without losing the freshness of the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance: \u003c\/strong\u003eCherry red with violet glints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose: \u003c\/strong\u003eIntense notes of red fruit (blackberry, raspberry) combined with toasty touches, vanilla and spice from the oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e A meaty wine, with ripe tannins and a persistent, elegant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Ladairo","offers":[{"title":"2018","offer_id":40266991861900,"sku":"","price":19.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2022","offer_id":53335690281297,"sku":null,"price":20.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/ladairo-BARRICA_A.jpg?v=1773860991"},{"product_id":"castro-ventosa-valtuille-vino-de-villa-2024","title":"Castro Ventosa Valtuille Vino de Villa 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCastro Ventosa Valtuille Vino de Villa 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e is a village red made by Raúl Pérez in Bierzo, Spain. It reflects the unique character of the village of Valtuille de Abajo, using grapes from century-old vines on sandy and clay slopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile — 2024 Vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2024 vintage shows great aromatic precision and elegance. Intense floral notes stand out, especially violets and rose petals, wrapped in fresh red fruit such as cherry and raspberry. Delicate hints of wild herbs and a light, spicy touch of white pepper follow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn the palate the wine is taut, fresh and extremely balanced. Vibrant acidity brings energy and food-friendliness, while the tannins are fine and polished, recalling chalk or silk. The oak is discreetly integrated, favouring purity and transparency of fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe finish is long and precise, marked by an earthy, ferrous minerality very typical of the soils of Valtuille de Abajo, leaving a clean, elegant impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritics' First Impressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRaúl Pérez \u003c\/strong\u003edescribes 2024 as a classic vintage, in which Mencía comes across as more elegant, Atlantic and restrained in alcohol, recalling historic years in the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobert Parker (The Wine Advocate)\u003c\/strong\u003e Critic Luis Gutiérrez tends to reward cooler, more Atlantic vintages in Bierzo, valuing the purity and restrained alcohol (13%) shown in 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e His team has already endorsed this year's profile through the Mencía Joven 2024 (92 points), highlighting the excellent energy and focus on crunchy fruit that extends to the Vino de Villa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Tasting Comment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suckling's team praises the 2024 vintage for avoiding any over-ripeness. The wine is described as \"energetic and crunchy\", with very clean, focused red fruit complemented by the linear, precise structure that defines great terroir reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Atkin MW: \u003c\/strong\u003eAtkin is the most generous critic of Raúl Pérez's village wines, praising their \"Burgundian\" structure and the finesse of their textured tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuía Peñín:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Spanish guide focuses on varietal typicity and oak integration, two of this vintage's greatest strengths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Fsg96\"\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Fv6NCb\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Castro Ventosa","offers":[{"title":"2024","offer_id":52249647579473,"sku":null,"price":17.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/bot-valtuille-vinodevilla-2021.png?v=1791026354"},{"product_id":"castro-ventosa-valtuille-cepas-centenarias-2021","title":"Castro Ventosa Valtuille Cepas Centenarias 2021","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 vintage of one of Bierzo's most prized treasures surprised the region's most loyal followers and has already been crowned by Luis Gutiérrez, critic for The Wine Advocate. From century-old vines with very low yields comes this delight, with an intense perfume and a deep, persistent palate. A Castilian jewel for your cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 97+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1999 Valtuille Cepas Centenarias old-vine cuvée was their first great wine, but in 2021 it comes from a single vineyard in Mata Los Pardos, on clay and sandy soils, planted with the traditional Mencía field blend typical of the oldest vineyards. It fermented with 30% whole clusters and indigenous yeasts in oak vats, with a 60-day maceration, and aged in 225- and 500-litre oak barrels for a year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a moderate 13% alcohol and balanced acidity. The wine is really complex and harmonious, a little more austere than the Villegas or the Rapolao, perhaps a little more rustic, with an earthy touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eValtuille Cepas Centenarias 2021 — 98 points from James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wine that clearly ranks among the world's greats, according to the critic's review.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAromatic Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn intense, multi-faceted nose, with ripe blue fruit, floral violet notes, enveloping spice and an elegant mineral streak reminiscent of graphite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the Palate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFull-bodied, yet remarkably elegant. The texture is rich and enveloping, supported by fine, silky, perfectly integrated tannins, giving structure without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLong and full of energy, with striking persistence and a freshness that balances the depth of old-vine fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall Impression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn exceptional wine, already very expressive now, but with clear ability to develop and gain complexity over the coming years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Castro Ventosa","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":48619011440977,"sku":"","price":43.8,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/castro-ventosa-valtuille-cepas-centenarias-2021-8729372.jpg?v=1761875346"},{"product_id":"valtuille-la-cueva-de-la-raposa-2020-2021","title":"Valtuille La Cueva de La Raposa 2020\/2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eValtuille La Cueva de La Raposa 2020 (also known as La Cova de la Raposa) is a single-plot (Cru) red made by the renowned Castro Ventosa winery in Bierzo, Spain. Made mainly from Mencía, it comes from a tiny 0.2-hectare plot with sandy soils, giving an elegant, flowing profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 94+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe perfumed 2020 Valtuille La Cova de la Raposa has a bright ruby colour and an outgoing profile; it's juicy, round, very tasty, harmonious and balanced, with good ripeness, moderate alcohol (13.3%) and very fine tannins. It fermented with 40% whole bunches and indigenous yeasts, with 40 days of maceration, and aged in two 500-litre oak barrels for 12 months. 1,100 bottles were filled in December 2021.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaúl Pérez's family project, like many in Bierzo, focuses on wines from specific terroirs — village, lieu-dit or paraje — and single vineyards. They're developing more wines of this kind for the future in their village of Valtuille, where they have 85 of their 86 hectares of vineyards; the other is a Godello vineyard in the village of Cabañas Raras. Since 2021 the single-vineyard white has been labelled Valtuille “El Val” (vino de paraje), with the idea of taking it to the top of the hierarchy, as it's a unique plot in one of the coolest parts of the village. They make between 200,000 and 300,000 bottles, depending on the vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a very dry 2020, 2021 was a cooler year, with more rain and even snow; the whites show excellent freshness and the reds elegance and finesse. It may be the finest vintage in recent times, comparable to 2018.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 10 August 2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 95\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 Valtuille La Cova de la Raposa comes from the lieu-dit that gives the wine its name, with sand-rich soils, which they have vinified separately since 2003. This south-facing vineyard is the first to be picked, as its orientation and the fact that the old vines produce only two or three bunches each make them ripen earlier. Native fermentation was used with 40% whole bunches and 40 days of maceration. The wine matured in two 500-litre oak barrels for 12 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has moderate alcohol (12.43%) and balanced ripeness, with an elegant texture and very fine tannins. It's a warm site that performed very well in the cooler 2021 vintage. The sandy soils are a little more compact, and this wine is more closed than the 2020, which is more open. 1,200 bottles were filled in March 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Castro Ventosa","offers":[{"title":"2020","offer_id":47399649214801,"sku":"","price":44.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2021","offer_id":52288266994001,"sku":null,"price":45.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/valtuille-la-cueva-de-la-raposa-20132019-6739320.jpg?v=1761786108"},{"product_id":"valtuille-rapolao-2022","title":"Valtuille Rapolao 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eCastro Ventosa Valtuille El Rapolao 2022 is a prestigious red from Bierzo, Spain, made by Raúl Pérez's family winery. This \"paraje\" (single-site) wine is widely recognised for its elegance and intense aromatic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 96+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 Valtuille El Rapolao comes from a plot they own, one of their oldest vineyards, planted at higher density, with a position and soil that favour more open, approachable wines in warmer years like 2022, which was also dry. The wine is rounder than in other vintages and easier to enjoy. It fermented with 30% whole bunches, with a 35-day maceration, and aged in used 500-litre barrels for a year. Right now it's a little raw but should improve with more time in bottle. 1,800 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pérez family winery in Bierzo, Castro Ventosa, keeps working on zoning and a plot-by-plot approach to its wines. They're using more and more 500-litre barrels, seeking more finesse and elegance. They make between 200,000 and 300,000 bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022 was a very hot, dry year, but the wines are much fresher than expected, with a little more alcohol but showing no heat. They're more approachable wines, with structure and juicy fruit. 2023 returns to lower alcohol and lots of elegance, similar to 2021. In years when it rains during harvest — increasingly rare, though it used to be normal — the wines are more delicate; in warmer years they're darker in every sense. The 2022s are open and approachable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 20 June 2024\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Castro Ventosa","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":47399545897297,"sku":"","price":46.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/bot-castro-ventosa-valtuille-el-rapolao-2021.png?v=1774895273"},{"product_id":"castro-ventosa-valtuille-la-vitoriana-2019","title":"Castro Ventosa Valtuille La Vitoriana 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eValtuille La Vitoriana 2019 is a prestigious red made by Castro Ventosa under acclaimed winemaker Raúl Pérez, in Bierzo, Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 97\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second vintage of La Vitoriana here, the 2019 Valtuille La Vitoriana, fermented in a 1,000-litre oak vat and matured in a 500-litre oak barrel — unlike the 2018, which aged in a smaller barrel. Perhaps the ratio of oak to wine worked well for this label, which is more elegant and harmonious, fresher and less concentrated. Ripeness is a little lower here than in the 2018; the old, low-yielding vines tend to ripen quickly, giving a short window to pick. The wine finished with 13.4% alcohol and is medium-bodied with fine, chalky tannins. Truly impressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e620 bottles were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFalstaff gave 98 points\u003c\/strong\u003e to Castro Ventosa Valtuille La Vitoriana 2019, highlighting it as a wine of remarkable elegance and great depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the glass it's a luminous ruby with delicate violet glints. The nose impresses with its finesse and sophistication, interweaving aromas of dark berries and black cherry with mineral nuances and subtle notes of fine spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate it's structured and complex, yet balanced by vibrant freshness. The tannins are silky and perfectly integrated, making for a harmonious, enveloping tasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe finish is long and persistent, marked by strong mineral expression, a clear reflection of Valtuille's characteristic soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith this 98-point score, it stands out as one of the highlights of the vintage in Bierzo, even surpassing Robert Parker's score of 97 points.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Castro Ventosa","offers":[{"title":"2019","offer_id":47399483310417,"sku":"","price":118.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/castro-ventosa-valtuille-la-vitoriana-2019_grande_e9096f8d-433c-4042-bbb2-9c1ad989cf8e.jpg?v=1761928820"},{"product_id":"petalos-del-bierzo-2023","title":"Pétalos del Bierzo 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePétalos del Bierzo 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e is a benchmark red from the prestigious D.O. Bierzo (Spain), made by Descendientes de J. Palacios under the leadership of renowned winemaker Álvaro Palacios and his nephew Ricardo Pérez Palacios. Widely recognised for its extraordinary value, this young, oak-aged red faithfully reflects the identity and freshness of the region's slate terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 93+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 Pétalos has about 20% of its grapes from Corullón and the rest bought from around 100 families across Bierzo, roughly 91% Mencía, 8% white grapes and 1% other reds, fermented in open oak vats and stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. Malolactic took a few months in oak and stainless steel, and the wine matured in barrels and bocoyes for 10 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has 13% alcohol and a pH of 3.74. It has a serious nose combining red fruit with herbs and a touch of liquorice, a little more restrained and herbal, giving a greater sense of freshness, even though the year was also fairly warm. But the heat peaks didn't reach the levels seen in 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt recalls the Bierzo wines of old, with rain during harvest. It's elegant but has body. Despite the price, this is a wine that ages wonderfully in bottle, something you don't expect from an entry-level wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final production figures were as expected: 297,867 bottles. The wine was bottled between January and April 2025. It keeps its position as one of Spain's best values-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCritic\u003cstrong\u003e James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e gave Pétalos del Bierzo 2023 93 points, describing it as a vibrant wine of excellent definition. His tasting note highlights intense aromas of dark cherries and blackberries, with notes of dried flowers and a mineral touch of crushed stone. On the palate it's medium-bodied, with a polished, slightly angular texture, where the tannins are firm but fine, lending elegance to the structure. The finish is described as fresh, juicy and persistent. Overall, Suckling stresses that the 2023 vintage shows remarkable balance, keeping Mencía's characteristic freshness but with a level of sophistication above the norm for its price bracket.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Descendientes de J. Palacios","offers":[{"title":"2023","offer_id":47399838122321,"sku":"","price":18.8,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/petalos-del-bierzo-2022-6381064.jpg?v=1761785235"},{"product_id":"villa-de-corullon-2023","title":"Villa de Corullón 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVilla de Corullón 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e is a prestigious Spanish red made by the iconic Descendientes de J. Palacios winery in Bierzo. Made from old vines of the native Mencía grape farmed organically and biodynamically, this vintage stands out for its exceptionally fresh, mineral and austere profile, reflecting the unique transition between Mediterranean and Atlantic climates on steep slate slopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarkedly aromatic and elegant, this wine shows a very intense floral expression on the nose, with seductive notes of cherry, raspberry and hibiscus. A fresh, complex aromatic whole, where red fruit and floral nuances work in harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate it has a deeper, more structured personality, with earthy and spicy hints and a strong mineral streak, clearly evoking the slate and schist of its terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 vintage, marked by hot, dry conditions, gave higher tannic concentration than usual, giving the wine a firm, solid structure. Even so, it surprises with its vibrant acidity, remarkable verticality and a freshness that balances the vintage's power and concentration superbly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround 8 to 11 months in wood adds complexity and depth without masking the expression of fruit and terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quality of this vintage was also recognised by international critics, with 96 points from Luis Gutiérrez in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wine of great character, combining red fruit, minerality, structure and freshness, with excellent potential to develop in bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Descendientes de J. Palacios","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":48234803954001,"sku":"","price":50.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/villa-de-corullon-2022-8081662.png?v=1761785118"},{"product_id":"las-lamas-2020","title":"Las Lamas 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLas Lamas 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e is a prestigious organic red made by Descendientes de J. Palacios in Spain's renowned D.O. Bierzo. Made mainly from Mencía (about 89%), with small percentages of the white Jerez grape and Alicante Bouschet, it stands out for its great freshness, harmony and depth, and has received outstanding international scores, such as 97+ points from Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate). Production is very limited (just 6,400 bottles of 75 cl).\u0026amp;nbsp;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 97+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is always the ripest of the wines, and 2020 is no exception: the Las Lamas 2020 has 14.5% alcohol. But what matters is that it doesn't show; it doesn't feel ripe or hot. In fact, this comes across as fresher, more harmonious and livelier than the Moncerbal; it needs ripeness. It's very expressive and very “Lamas”, more Mediterranean and truly what it is. It's juicy, with notes of peach, very velvety, with round, bright tannins, but without being heavy. It's very balanced and shows a certain freshness, even though it's a rich wine. It's now certified organic. 6,400 bottles were produced. It was bottled in October 2021, during a break in the long 2021 harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Descendientes de J. Palacios","offers":[{"title":"2020","offer_id":47399895040337,"sku":"","price":115.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/las-lamas-2017-3534937.jpg?v=1761785420"},{"product_id":"moncerbal-2020","title":"Moncerbal 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMoncerbal 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e is an internationally renowned Spanish red made by the prestigious Descendientes de J. Palacios in D.O. Bierzo. Made mostly from the native Mencía grape (with small percentages of other local varieties), it has earned very high critical scores, including 97 points in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 97\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find the Moncerbal 2020 a little more closed than the other 2020s, darker and more serious. It's still moderately ripe, with 13.8% alcohol, sweet tannins and a soft texture. Today it's a little austere and very calm; it whispers. It's quite discreet. It was bottled in October 2021, during the 2021 harvest. It's certified organic from 2020. It's already approachable. 5,000 bottles were filled in October 2021. These wines used to be bottled in January\/February of the following year, so in 2020 they had a shorter élevage in barrel. The wines were ready earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Descendientes de J. Palacios","offers":[{"title":"2020","offer_id":47400063336785,"sku":"","price":115.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/moncerbal-2020-5010213.jpg?v=1761785394"},{"product_id":"castro-ventosa-valtuille-villegas-2022","title":"Castro Ventosa Valtuille Villegas 2020\/2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eValtuille Villegas 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e is a prestigious red wine from the D.O. Bierzo, made by Bodegas Castro Ventosa under renowned winemaker Raúl Pérez. It stands out for its elegance and floral profile, and is often compared to Burgundy for its delicacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 98\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 Valtuille Villegas comes from a vineyard on sandy soils near Raúl Pérez's house, in a spot that tends to produce more elegant wines. It fermented with 100% whole clusters and had a 60-day maceration in oak vats. It's a floral, elegant wine, a constant trait of this vineyard, sheltered by some pine trees — which means the grapes get less sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate it's medium-bodied, with very fine tannins and excellent balance. It has 13.29% alcohol, a pH of 3.58 and 5.09 grams of acidity. An elegant, delicate and precise wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1,300 bottles were produced, from two 500-litre barrels. It was bottled in May 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to \u003cstrong\u003eJosé Peñín\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003eValtuille Villegas 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e has an elegant cherry-red colour, clear and bright, of medium-low intensity reflecting its delicacy and restrained extraction. The nose is very expressive, dominated by balsamic notes and wild aromatic herbs, complemented by sweet and hot spices from ageing. The floral side, marked by violets, combines harmoniously with fresh red fruit, creating a highly complex aromatic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate it shows freshness, precision and excellent fruit expression. Lively, perfectly integrated acidity gives balance and elegance, while fine, ripe tannins give a silky texture. The finish is long and persistent, with a subtle balsamic note reflecting the singular character of the Villegas terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Castro Ventosa","offers":[{"title":"2020","offer_id":47399352336721,"sku":"","price":52.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2022","offer_id":54493858333009,"sku":null,"price":52.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/Valtuille-Villegas-2022-dd149bc3.webp?v=1761911551"},{"product_id":"raul-perez-castro-candaz-a-boca-do-demo-2019","title":"Raúl Peréz Castro Candaz A Boca do Demo 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith very limited production, and after reaching 95 Parker points in its last two vintages, the Castro Candaz A Boca do Demo single-plot red joins the list of cult wines from the prolific producer Raul Pérez. It is a Mencía with intriguing aromas of red and white fruit, white flowers and a characteristic mineral acidity, on a pleasant palate with very well-balanced tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castro Candaz","offers":[{"title":"2019","offer_id":47697266737489,"sku":"","price":29.75,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/raul-perez-castro-candaz-a-boca-do-demo-2019-8715260.png?v=1761785492"},{"product_id":"conjunto-de-3-garrafas-de-castro-ventosa-valtuille-cepas-centenarias-2021","title":"Conjunto de 3 Garrafas de Castro Ventosa Valtuille Cepas Centenarias 2021","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCastro Ventosa Valtuille Cepas Centenarias 2019 comes from two plots of old Mencía vines over 100 years old in the village of Valtuille. A wine that expresses the excellence of El Bierzo.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 2019 vintage of one of the\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e most prized treasures of Bierzo\u003c\/strong\u003e surprised the region's most loyal followers and has already been crowned by Luis Gutiérrez, critic for The Wine Advocate. From \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ecentenarian vines\u003c\/strong\u003e with very low yields comes this delight, offering an intense perfume and a deep, persistent palate. \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA Castilian jewel for your cellar.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Castro Ventosa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47720750022993,"sku":"","price":131.55,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/Conjuntode3GarrafasdeCastroVentosaValtuilleCepasCentenarias2019.png?v=1702318633"},{"product_id":"veronica-ortega-roc-2016","title":"Verónica Ortega ROC 2016","description":"\u003cp class=\"tw-data-text tw-text-large tw-ta\" data-placeholder=\"Tradução\" id=\"tw-target-text\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj51JbbsZSEAxXPT6QEHaa1CXkQ3ewLegQIBRAU\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Y2IQFc\" lang=\"pt\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eAfter working in Priorat for Daphne Glorian (Clos Erasmus) and Álvaro Palacios, and spending some years in France, in Burgundy (at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Comte Armand) and in the northern Rhône \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eat Domaine Combier, Verónica Ortega returned to Spain to start her own project, in the Bierzo region.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tw-data-text tw-text-large tw-ta\" data-placeholder=\"Tradução\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj51JbbsZSEAxXPT6QEHaa1CXkQ3ewLegQIBRAU\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Y2IQFc\" lang=\"pt\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eIn some places, such as Bierzo, old vines have been preserved, and Mencía is one of this Cádiz-born winemaker's favourite grapes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eHer first steps towards a great project were taken in this part of León, building on Verónica's wide experience. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tw-data-text tw-text-large tw-ta\" data-placeholder=\"Tradução\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj51JbbsZSEAxXPT6QEHaa1CXkQ3ewLegQIBRAU\" dir=\"ltr\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Y2IQFc\" lang=\"pt\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eHer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e wines are artisanal, with spontaneous fermentations and low sulphur. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eThe vineyard is worked by hand following organic principles. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eThe plots are mostly old Mencía vines but, as is common in Bierzo, there is a very small proportion of local varieties, both white and red, interplanted in the vineyard: Alicante Bouchet, Merenzao, Jerez. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Veronica Ortega","offers":[{"title":"2016","offer_id":47998373757265,"sku":"","price":29.7,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/veronica-ortega-roc-2016-5202187.jpg?v=1761785151"},{"product_id":"sangarida-pico-tuerto-2021","title":"Sangarida Pico Tuerto 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eSangarida Pico Tuerto 2021 is a prestigious Spanish red from D.O. Bierzo, made by Attis Bodega y Viñedos. It stands out for being made from century-old Mencía vines planted between 1901 and 1910 at altitudes above 600 metres.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJames Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e: Dusty black cherries, crushed blackberries, white pepper and hints of black liquorice and stewed berries. A rich, medium-bodied Mencía with a tasty palate full of silky tannins. Drink now or keep.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Attis Bodega y Viñedos","offers":[{"title":"2021","offer_id":49815097999697,"sku":"","price":25.6,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/sangarida-pico-tuerto-2021-3693731.jpg?v=1761785706"},{"product_id":"sangarida-el-morredero-2021","title":"Sangarida El Morredero 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eSangarida El Morredero 2021 is an exclusive red from Bierzo, Spain, made by Attis. It's a single-parcel wine (La Tarea) made from 100% Mencía.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCritic \u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e praised Sangarida El Morredero 2021 highly, highlighting its elegance and liveliness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Suckling's Tasting Note\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuckling describes this wine as having a very specific aromatic and structural profile:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Notes of grilled herbs, red wild berries and cherries, with a touch of \"lard\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rated \"really juicy and elegant\", with a textured medium palate. Nuances of subtle raspberries and undergrowth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStructure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Described as a long, \"airy\" and understated wine, with well-defined tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrinking recommendation:\u003c\/strong\u003e \"Drink now or hold.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Attis Bodega y Viñedos","offers":[{"title":"2021","offer_id":49815349559633,"sku":"","price":43.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/sangarida-el-morredero-2021-6134153.jpg?v=1761784620"},{"product_id":"la-faraona","title":"La Faraona 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLa Faraona 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of Spain's most exclusive, coveted and acclaimed reds, made by the prestigious Descendientes de J. Palacios in D.O. Bierzo. Created by renowned winemaker Álvaro Palacios and his nephew Ricardo Pérez Palacios, this vintage earned a near-perfect 99 points from Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) and 99 points from James Suckling. Because of 2021's challenging weather, production was extremely limited: just 647 standard (75 cl) bottles, pushing its average market price to around €2,000 a bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 99\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 La Faraona is expressive and aromatic, with notes of Mediterranean herbs and hints of grain and cereal, showing considerable complexity and developing notes of star anise and fennel. Like all the 2021s, it has extraordinary elegance. Ricardo Pérez Palacios told me they're achieving balance in the vineyard; the wine is crunchy, and the combination of tannins and acidity gives more freshness than pH or acidity alone would suggest. It shows a little more juiciness and also more depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an extremely demanding vineyard and, in 2021, a very strict selection was made, as it was a challenging year. It was picked in more than four passes and three separate vats were made, of which only one was finally selected. Ricardo compared it with the 2015, which has a little more volume and is slightly riper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly two barrels were produced, giving 647 bottles, 19 magnums, five double magnums and four Jeroboams. The wine was bottled in December 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI tasted the 2021s already bottled and the 2022s from barrel. According to Ricardo Pérez Palacios, 2021 was the most challenging year ever, a vintage in which Mencía simply didn't want to ripen! From very early on, Moncerbal stood out and proved one of the best vintages ever for this paraje.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2021 was an atypical year, cooler but with a hot, dry end to the cycle. Some grapes were picked at the end of August, but then they had to stop because the grapes weren't ripening! That's why Pétalos has only 13.5% alcohol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome wines show a reductive character; it was a cooler, drier year and the wines reflect that more continental, cool profile despite the heat in July and August. The wines are juicy and aromatic, with much more freshness than they first anticipated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey have moderate alcohol, all around 13.5%, and a narrower, more defined profile. It should be a very long-lived vintage, perhaps not as juicy as 2018, but with very good balance and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow in bottle, and with the perspective of time, the wines are developing very well. They may not reach the greatness of the 2018s, but they show elegance and delicacy and are evolving slowly. From 2021, all the wines except Pétalos are certified organic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022 was a very challenging year but, surprisingly, the wines turned out more balanced and better than they expected. Alcohol was lower than forecast; the vines shut down because of the very hot, dry weather, or at least the alcohol didn't climb as much, although acidity began to drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYields were high and the white grapes were of very good quality. They used a significant amount of white grapes, close to the 10–12% allowed, when they normally use 6–8%. At the time of tasting, prices for the 2022s hadn't been set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo far, 2023 looks like a very good, fresh year, but marked by a massive mildew attack, particularly intense in the lower parts of Bierzo on the valley floor rather than at higher altitudes such as the slopes of Corullón.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 10 August 2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Descendientes de J. Palacios","offers":[{"title":"2021","offer_id":50600339800401,"sku":"","price":1457.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/la-faraona-8202516.webp?v=1761784526"},{"product_id":"imalia-3-parcelas-2021-pedacinhos-de-terra-que-nos-transmitem-alma","title":"Imalia 3 parcelas 2021  - \"Pedacinhos de Terra que nos transmitem alma\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImalia 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate: \u003c\/strong\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toro Albalá","offers":[{"title":"2021","offer_id":50711099736401,"sku":"","price":19.85,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/imalia-3-parcelas-2021-pedacinhos-de-terra-que-nos-transmitem-alma-3709207.jpg?v=1761784574"},{"product_id":"pittacum-2020","title":"Pittacum 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003ePittacum takes us back to its place of origin: 40 hectares of old Mencía vines, spread across a mosaic of 200 plots on mountain slopes in the heart of Bierzo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis young red offers pleasant sensations of fresh red fruit and soft spice and seduces with its pleasant juiciness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRich red cherries, currants and blueberries, with some notes of herbs, stones and dark chocolate on the nose. A medium- to full-bodied Mencía with good richness and mid-palate density, yet it stays fresh and fluid. Firm tannins on the finish. Drink now to 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe namesake 2020 Pittacum is toasty and ripe, with 14.5% alcohol, reflecting a warm year and eight months in used barrels. It has a 2000s-style profile, with more generous ripeness and oak. It finishes dry with abundant tannins that will need more time in bottle and\/or heartier dishes. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viñedos y Bodegas Pittacum","offers":[{"title":"2020","offer_id":51584159056209,"sku":null,"price":13.2,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/pittacum-2020-1546997.jpg?v=1761784734"},{"product_id":"pittacum-aurea-2019","title":"Pittacum Aurea 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003ePittacum Aurea is a red made by Bodegas Pittacum in D.O. Bierzo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a single-variety Mencía from grapes from a single estate, Finca Areixola. A vineyard over 100 years old that allows only manual work. It has never been compacted or pressed by heavy machinery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvesting is entirely by hand, and the grapes go to the winery in small 12 kg crates, ensuring no unwanted breakage before they arrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes pass over a sorting table where every bunch is selected. Once selected, the bunches are crushed without destemming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for 15 days at 28ºC, with punching down and light pumping over.\u003cbr\u003eAfter fermentation, it macerates for 20 more days before racking and stays two more weeks in tank before going into new French oak barrels, where it matures for 14 months without racking.\u003cbr\u003eIt's then bottled and rests in bottle for two more years before release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePittacum Aurea is a wonderful wine showing a commitment to its surroundings, deeply connected to the terroir and climate in which it grows.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viñedos y Bodegas Pittacum","offers":[{"title":"2019","offer_id":51584531988817,"sku":null,"price":34.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/pittacum-aurea-2019-1233369.jpg?v=1761784444"},{"product_id":"mauro-valeyo-tinto-2021","title":"Mauro Valeyo Tinto 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMauro Valeyo Tinto 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e is a limited-production Spanish red made by the prestigious Bodegas Mauro (of the renowned García family, led by winemaker Mariano García) in the iconic Bierzo region, Castilla y León.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 94\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 Valeyo comes from a single three-hectare vineyard at 650 metres in the village of Valtuille de Arriba, and fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts. They took great care with the élevage to preserve the fresh, Atlantic character of the vintage; the small proportion of Godello (5%) adds extra freshness, and they used only new and used 500-litre French oak barrels for 12 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine has a moderate 13% alcohol and is aromatic and fresh, with depth and complexity. They're in the process of obtaining organic certification for the vineyard. It's perfumed, elegant, subtle, more austere than exuberant, harmonious and with a sense of balance and serenity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins, great freshness and pure flavours. 11,866 bottles and 260 magnums were filled in December 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Mauro SA","offers":[{"title":"2021","offer_id":53075990479185,"sku":null,"price":42.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/bot-valeyo-2021.png?v=1771332548"}],"url":"https:\/\/vinogrande.es\/en\/collections\/casta-mencia.oembed?page=2","provider":"Vinogrande","version":"1.0","type":"link"}