César Márquez Villegas 2024

César Márquez works in Valtuille de Abajo in the Bierzo region of Castilla y León, on vines worked by his family for over a century. This is a village wine drawn from the sandy soils that sit over Bierzo's slate and clay subsoil, where Mencía is field-blended with a little Garnacha Tinta, old Bastardo and white varieties grown in the same plots, in the traditional mixed-planting style of the area. The sandy topsoil drains freely and gives lighter, more aromatic wines, while the cool Atlantic-influenced climate and wide day-to-night temperature swing preserve acidity and perfume. Whole-bunch material and co-fermented white grapes lift the aromatics, and twelve months in larger 500-litre French barrels gives gentle oxygen contact and structure while keeping oak flavour low. The colour is bright medium ruby. The nose leads with violet, red cherry and a clear note of orange peel over a savoury, earthy base. The palate is fresh and supple, with fine tannins, lively acidity and a peppery finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It pairs well with roast poultry, pork and mushroom dishes.