Ultreia and Legend Raul Perez
Dare to break the rules, do what feels right. If that means go swing on a kids swing with your wine just because you feel like it and laugh with all of your soul, then so be it. That is what Raúl Pérez did - he had a vision and wanted to make wine his way, period.
If you like Mencia and INCREDIBLY well made wines, you have most certainly heard of Raúl Pérez ….he is LEGENDARY. I realize that is a rather big word to use, but he is. It’s as simple as that: He is THE winemaker to watch, he is what is considered the “Visionary Spain” winemaker and somewhat controversial - which are some of the reasons why he is so popular.
Since he produced his first vintage in 1994 at the 300 years old family winery Bodegas Castro Ventosa, his experience and ideals grew and flourished. He did not want to compromise his ideals so in 2005 he started Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez in Bierzo which quickly grew into Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra and Tierra de León DOs. Ulreia is a homage to the pilgrims of Santiago de Campostela used in greeting as they journey through his village, which means ‘we go further’. His accolades run from Winemaker of the Year, Best Winemaker in the World and intuitive winemaking genius …. Yet this humble and spirited man, a man of few words that expresses his genius in his wines. Each and every wine is about the village, the vineyard, the terroir that it came from. “Raúl Pérez takes nature very seriously. His priority is to exert the minimum influence on the grape, that’s how he understands wine.” These are limited releases, handcrafted and unique wines that even after 10-15 years in the bottle they will be fresh and expressive.
Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez
Ultreia Saint Jacques Mencia 2018
🍇 Mencia with Bastardo, Garnacha Tintorera
Bierzo DO, Castilla y León, Spain
Mencia’s home is in northwestern Spain, particularly Valdeorra, Ribeiro and Bierzo. The 5 hectares of average aged 60 year old vines, the Mencia dominant blend has 80% of whole cluster fermentation in large oak vats for 2-5 months and aged for 9-10 months in various and types of vessels.
Pours into the glass a deep ruby red color
Swirl and vibrant crunchy dark red fruit, chalk, floral, herbal and spice
Sip and this medium bodied wine’s soft velvety texture is accompanied with juicy black cherry, raspberry, plum, black currant leaf, licorice, leather, gravel and violets. It has soft,chalky tannins, vibrant acidity with a long finish of pepper, licorice, savory tomato leaf and smoke finish that just lingers and lingers.
The wine is clean, precise and fresh, and the oak is super-subtle, almost unnoticeable. The palate reflects a fluid pleasure, a thirst quenching red compelling red.
Pair with cured ham croquettes, roast duck with quince sauce, pastrami sandwich, mushroom risotto or braised chicken with onion, garlic and saffron.
