- Region
- Bierzo
- Producer
- Bodega César Márquez
- Vintage
- 2022
- Grape varieties
- 85% Mencía
- 10% Alicante Bouschet
- Bottle size
- 75 cl
- Ratings
- 95 points Robert Parker
- Alcohol
- 13%
- Classification
- DO
- Special characteristic
- Contains sulphites
- Rare bottle
- Net item
The grapes (around 5% white) are 50% destemmed. Wild-yeast fermentation in 500- to 600-litre oak barrels. Subsequent maturation for 12 months in used tonneaux. Bottled without filtration or fining.
Still slightly closed and reductive on the nose. But, with a little air, this red wine will open up to reveal red berries, red cherry, dried herbs, violet and earthy, smoky characters. Very fresh on the palate, with very moderate alcohol and juicy, stimulating acidity. Medium body with a very fine tannin structure and a long, complex, mineral finish.
The grapes come from a slate-dominated 0.3-hectare plot in the village of Toral de los Vados. This vineyard slope has a north-easterly aspect and is situated around 700 metres above sea level. Its centenarian vines mostly consist of Mencía – co-planted with around 12 other varieties, says Márquez. They produce very low yields. The climate is continental with a slight Atlantic influence.