Producer: Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez

Region: Galicia - D.O. Bierzo

Vintage: 2022                                                   

Bottle: 75 cl                                                     

Grape Varieties: Mencía and other varieties (Garnacha Tintorera and Sousón)

Type: Dry Red Wine aged in oak

Alcohol Volume: 13.5% vol.

Serving Temperature: 14º - 16º

Raúl Pérez produces El Rapolao La Vizcaina at the Vilafranca del Bierzo winery in León. Here, the Mencia is the main protagonist, although it is mixed in a small percentage with other varieties.

The grapes come from two small plots, one planted in 1920 and the other in 1980. The vines are growing on soils rich in clay on a northern-facing slope at an elevation of 500 meters; this is the coldest area in Valtuille de Abajo.

Fermented with whole clusters in large open wooden vats, with shorter skin contact of approximately 30-40 days, and aged for 12 months in 500-litre oak barrels.

Tasting notes: 

Bright and clean, elegant and fresh, floral-scented with aromas of red fruit, wild berries, and a spicy and mineral vein. Ample and warm, firm tannins, and a long finish.

Raúl Pérez is regarded as among the most talented and innovative winemakers, almost a legend within the Spanish winemaking world and abroad. The collaboration with other winemakers and wineries has also proved a great success. He works with the autochthonous varietals of the area. He makes amazing wines in different appellations in Galicia and elsewhere, always small and selected productions. Getting hold of his wines is not that easy, as they are probably one of the most sought-after.