- Region
- Bierzo
- Producer
- Bodega César Márquez
- Vintage
- 2022
- Grape varieties
- 85% Mencía
- 10% Alicante Bouschet
- Bottle size
- 75 cl
- Ratings
- 96 points Robert Parker
- Alcohol
- 13%
- Classification
- DO
- Special characteristic
- Contains sulphites
- Rare bottle
- Net item
The grapes (around 5% white) are mostly left as whole bunches. Wild-yeast fermentation in 1,000-litre oak vats. Subsequent maturation for 12 months in used tonneaux. Bottled without filtration or fining.
Fresh nose of ripe red and dark berries along with cherry, plum, fresh herbs, fine spicy pepper and cinnamon, graphite, and liquorice. Despite its moderate alcohol level, this is a red imbued with great power as well as silky tannins. Long finish with red berry fruit and a fine line of salty minerality.
The grapes come from a 0.2-hectare plot in one of the coolest parts of the village. Situated 550 metres above sea level at the top of a west-facing slope, it is the last vineyard to catch the morning sun. Clay soils with high iron content. Bush vines, some aged over 100 years. Continental climate with a slight Atlantic influence.