El Castro de Valtuille Mencía Joven 2025

El Castro de Valtuille Mencía Joven 2025 is made by Castro Ventosa in Valtuille de Abajo, in the north-west of D.O. Bierzo. The fruit comes from old Mencía vines, many over 85 years old, spread across more than 300 plots of clay, sandy and organically rich soil. Old vines of this kind carry small crops with concentrated, balanced fruit and deep roots that buffer the vines through dry spells. Bierzo sits between continental and Atlantic influence, with warm days and cool nights that preserve acidity and the grape's floral, peppery character. The wine spends three months in large foudres rather than small barrels, so the oak adds gentle roundness and oxygen without overt vanilla or toast, keeping the wine in the fresh, fruit-led joven style. The colour is a vivid cherry red. The nose is lively, with ripe cherry, blackberry and a touch of crushed herbs and black pepper. The palate is juicy and medium bodied, with fine tannin, fresh acidity and an earthy, mineral finish that reflects the slate and clay soils. Serve at around 15C.