César Márquez Pérez Pico Ferreira 2024

Pico Ferreira is a red from D.O. Bierzo, made by César Márquez Pérez in Valtuille de Abajo in León. Márquez, nephew of the well-known Bierzo oenologist Raúl Pérez, trained at the family winery Castro Ventosa and in Mendoza before vinifying small lots from the best local vineyards at La Vizcaína. The wine is a varietal Mencía, the signature grape of Bierzo, grown on the area's slate and clay soils in a mild, semi-continental climate sheltered by the surrounding mountains. Mencía is an aromatic, high-acid variety that takes a fresh, mineral form here. Ageing runs to 12 months in 500 litre French oak; the larger barrels give a gentler oxygen exchange and less overt oak character than a standard barrique, keeping the fruit and the stony minerality to the fore. The colour is bright ruby. The nose is fragrant, with red berries and cherry over plum, black pepper, dried herbs and a smoky, graphite note from the slate. The palate is medium-bodied, with fresh acidity, fine tannin and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. Good with beef, duck and pork.