Wines Bierzo Raúl Perez Ultreia Valtuille - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Raúl Pérez Ultreia Valtuille 2020 is a red wine from Bierzo DO in Castile and León, Spain, crafted by the acclaimed winemaker Raúl Pérez. The wine is made predominantly from Mencía, the region’s signature grape variety, which thrives on the slate and clay soils of Bierzo’s gently rolling hills. The 2020 vintage benefitted from relatively mild weather, allowing for a slow, balanced ripening of the grapes and capturing both fresh fruit character and depth of flavour. In the winery, Raúl Pérez is known for his minimalist, artisan approach, with a focus on gentle extraction and minimal intervention—often including partial whole bunch fermentation and ageing in used barrels, allowing the purity of the grape and terroir to shine.

Bierzo is a remarkable region in north-western Spain, tucked into the borderlands with Galicia. The area experiences a unique blend of Atlantic and continental climates: ample sunshine is tempered by cooling mountain breezes, resulting in expressive wines with freshness and vibrancy. The soils— a mix of slate, quartz and clay— lend a distinct minerality to the wines. While Bierzo’s winemaking history stretches back to Roman times, it is only in recent decades, with winemakers like Raúl Pérez, that the potential of Mencía has truly been uncovered, with a focus on old-vine, small-batch expressions.

This wine’s aromatic profile, marked by redcurrant, cherry, wild herbs and subtle floral notes, works beautifully with food. Its vibrant acidity and fine, silky tannins make it adaptable at the table. Try it with grilled lamb cutlets, roasted duck breast, or mushroom risotto for a harmonious pairing. For a taste of the local kitchen, enjoy with cecina de León (dry-cured beef) or botillo, a traditional Bierzo pork sausage dish.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Raúl Pérez Ultreia Valtuille 2020 at a cool 15-16°C. This will highlight its freshness, complexity and delicate structure. Decanting for 30 minutes prior to serving will allow the wine to open up and reveal its full aromatic potential.