Ultreia Villegas 2023

Ultreia is Raúl Pérez’s home range in Bierzo, and Villegas is a Mencía drawn from the village of Valtuille de Abajo, long regarded as one of the area’s finest sources of old vines. The sandy, slate and calcareous soils here drain well and force the roots deep, giving wines that combine red fruit with a mineral, earthy backbone. Farmed organically, the fruit ripens fully at this site, and the wine reaches 14 percent while keeping its lift. Twelve months in oak barrels builds structure and integrates the tannins through slow oxygen exchange, while the wood adds a measured spice rather than overt vanilla. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is expressive, leading with flowers and dried herbs over cherry and red berries, with a faint peppery edge, while the palate is medium to full bodied, with firm but ripe tannins, fresh acidity and an earthy, savoury depth. The finish is long and mineral. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees Celsius, ideally decanted for thirty minutes, alongside roast lamb, beef or mushroom dishes.