Mauro Valeyo 2022

Mauro, the Garcia family's estate, works the Miguel Rey plot at Valtuille de Arriba in the D.O. Bierzo, in the northwest of Castilla y León. The vineyard lies at around 650 metres on loose, acidic alluvial soils of mixed sand and clay. The altitude brings cool nights and a wide diurnal range that preserves acidity and aromatic freshness, while the poor, free-draining soils restrain vigour and concentrate the fruit. Valeyo blends the red Mencía, which gives wild berry fruit and a floral, herbal character, with a small portion of the white grape Godello, co-fermented to add freshness and aromatic lift. The fruit is farmed biodynamically and organically. The wine is aged 12 months in oak barrels, which softens the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange and frames the fruit with light spice. The colour is bright, medium ruby. The nose shows wild berry, cherry, dried herbs, white flowers and a peppery, earthy edge. The palate is medium-bodied with plentiful but fine tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees. It suits duck and roast meat.