Team Argaux Favorite

2021 Raul Perez Bodegas y Vinedos Bierzo Tinto ‘Ultreia St. Jacques’

Responsibly Farmed
Hidden Gem

ATTN: Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc lovers! If you are looking to try something new, try this old vine Mencía blend. It has the elegant fruit and floral notes of Pinot and the herbaceous and structured profile of Cabernet Franc.

Serve slightly chilled and enjoy this gem from one of the world’s most visionary winemakers and the godfather of Mencía, Raul Perez.

Organic farming practices, 60% whole cluster fermentation, native yeast fermentation, unfined & unfiltered.

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Red
  • Tasting Notes cassis, blackberry, boysenberry, pomegranate, tree bark, espresso, damp soil, sweet smoke
  • Variety Mostly Mencía blended with Bastardo (Trousseau), Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), Palomino, Doña Blanca
  • Region Spain, Castilla y León
  • Volume 750ml
  • Alcohol Volume 13.5%
  • Table Talk Raul Perez is widely considered to be the most influential winemaker in Spain, pioneering the resurgence of indigenous grape varieties like Mencia

$26.00

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Raúl Pérez Pereira is universally considered to be one of the world’s most visionary winemakers. Since he produced his first vintage for his family’s winery in 1994 at the age 22, he has been in the forefront of the conversation about what has been called “The New Spain”. In 2005, he left his family business to strike out on his own, creating Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez, which quickly became the point of reference for the Bierzo appellation. In the intervening years, he has expanded his sphere of activity to include the appellations of Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra and Tierra de León, but his heart and his home remain in Valtuille de Abajo, the village in Bierzo where his family has been tending vines for well over 300 years.

In addition to numerous other accolades, Raúl was named “Winemaker of the Year” by German publication Der Feinschmecker in 2014 and “Best Winemaker in the World” for 2015 by the French publication Bettane+Desseauve. In the February 2018 Decanter, Master of Wine Pedro Ballesteros wrote, “Raúl Pérez is the archetype of the intuitive winemaking genius.” A picture of Raúl in that same article is captioned, “Is this the best winemaker in the world?” Raúl would certainly not self-apply any of these superlatives. In fact, his genius is far exceeded by his humility and generosity of spirit. That humility comes through in his wines. These are not “winemaker” wines so much as they are unadulterated expressions of the villages and vineyards from which they hail.

Mencía is a red grape variety native to the northwest of Spain, primarily found in regions such as Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, and Valdeorras. It has gained recognition for producing wines with unique characteristics and a distinct sense of place.

Mencía thrives in cooler, more temperate climates, which helps preserve its natural acidity and aromatic profile. Some winemakers, like Raúl Pérez, use whole-cluster fermentation to enhance the wine’s structure and complexity. He also does extended maceration to intensify color, flavor, and tannin extraction and uses various aging vessels to contribute to different textures and flavors.

Mencía’s bright acidity and medium body make it a versatile food wine. It pairs well with a variety of dishes including grilled or roasted meats and veggies, hearty stews, tapas and charcuterie.

Mencía is a distinctive and versatile grape variety that offers a unique expression of the terroir where it is grown. Its combination of bright fruit, floral notes, and mineral complexity makes it an intriguing option for wine enthusiasts looking to explore something different yet approachable.