Ultreia El Agro 2022

Ultreia is Raúl Pérez's Bierzo project, named for the medieval greeting used by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, meaning let us go further. El Agro is made from Mencía, the grape that defines Bierzo in the far west of Castilla y León. The region's vineyards grow on a mix of slate and clay soils in a climate that blends Atlantic and continental influences, giving Mencía its combination of fresh acidity, dark fruit and mineral character. The fruit is organically farmed. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds a light smoky frame without covering the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows blackberry and blueberry with a subtle smoky, incense-like note, dried herbs and crushed stone. The palate is medium bodied with bright acidity, fine tannins and a savoury, liquorice-edged finish carrying that mineral signature through. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees and decant young bottles for half an hour. It works with grilled red meats, game and earthy mushroom dishes.