Wines Bierzo La Vizcaína - Las Gundiñas - 2022

Viniou Reviews

La Vizcaína Las Gundiñas 2022 is a striking red wine from the Bierzo region, nestled in Castille and León in northwestern Spain. Crafted predominantly from the indigenous Mencía grape, it comes from old vines rooted in the unique Gundiñas plot—a terroir defined by its mixed slate, clay and sandy soils, which impart complexity and distinct minerality to the wine. The wine is vinified with care, typically using whole clusters and spontaneous fermentation, followed by ageing in large used oak barrels to preserve the pure expression of fruit and terroir. The 2022 vintage benefits from a warm, balanced growing season, resulting in a vibrant, expressive red that artfully combines fresh red berry fruit, floral notes and subtle spice, underpinned by a lively acidity and silky tannins.

Bierzo, the wine’s region of origin, enjoys a privileged climatic position at the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains. This area experiences a continental climate with Atlantic influences, ensuring both sufficient rainfall and generous sunlight. The soils are a key factor: the diversity of clays, quartz and slate not only provides excellent drainage but also lends an earthy depth and age-worthy structure to the wines. Bierzo has a long viticultural heritage, with old Mencía vines often exceeding 50 years of age, and a vibrant local tradition that is now enjoying renewed international acclaim thanks to meticulous producers like Raúl Pérez, creator of La Vizcaína.

Las Gundiñas charms with its medium body, lively freshness and aromatic complexity, making it remarkably versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as lamb cutlets or pork tenderloin, and finds a classic companion in regional dishes like botillo del Bierzo, a hearty pork and chorizo specialty. Its fruit-forward character also complements roasted vegetables, mushroom risotto, and aged semi-hard cheeses from the area, such as Manchego curado.

For optimal enjoyment, pour this wine at 15-16°C, after a brief decanting to allow the aromatic profile to unfold fully. The wine can be enjoyed young for its vibrancy but will gain further complexity with a few years of cellaring.