Ultreia de Valtuille 2022

Ultreia de Valtuille is made by Raúl Pérez, one of Spain's most influential winemakers, from old Mencía vines around Valtuille in Bierzo, Castilla y León. The name comes from ultreia, the old pilgrim greeting on the Camino de Santiago meaning onward, and the wine has drawn international attention since its first vintage. Production is small and the fruit comes from mature, low yielding plants whose deep roots draw on the region's slate and clay soils. That slate is central to the style, giving Mencía its mineral, graphite tinged character, while Bierzo's wide swing between warm days and cool nights protects the bright acidity and floral aromatics that set the variety apart. Ageing runs fourteen months in French oak, which firms the structure and adds slow oxidative complexity and a light smoky frame rather than dominating the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows wild red berries, cherry, plum and crushed herbs over a stony, slightly graphite base, with a wisp of smoke. The palate is medium to full bodied, with fine tannin, fresh acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted, with roast lamb, beef or game.