Ultreia Petra 2021

Raul Perez makes Ultreia Petra in D.O. Bierzo, in the west of Castilla y Leon, from single-variety Mencia grown on slate soils at Valtuille de Abajo. Bierzo has a mild, temperate climate with steady humidity, close to Galicia's but with a drier, more continental edge, which suits Mencia's mix of fruit and freshness. The slate gives the wine its firm mineral, graphite character. Harvested in whole clusters, the grapes undergo a cold maceration to draw colour and aroma gently before fermentation, and the wine ages twelve months in French oak barrels, whose slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds fine spice. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is distinctive, showing wild raspberry, blackberry, violet and crushed herbs over a graphite, stony note. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with fresh acidity, fine tannin and a mineral, slate-driven finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting briefly if young. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game, and works with mushroom dishes and hard cheeses.