Wines Bierzo Merayo - 2023

The Merayo Bierzo 2023 is a red wine from the heart of Castille and León, crafted in the historic Bierzo appellation. While the information about the grape variety is not fully confirmed, Bierzo reds are typically made predominantly from the Mencía grape, renowned for producing wines with vibrant freshness and expressive aromatics. Expect a medium-bodied style in this vintage, with appealing notes of wild berries, violets, and subtle mineral undertones. The 2023 vintage, being quite young, should display lively fruit, gentle tannins, and a refreshing acidity, making it approachable in its youth. Vinification in this region often seeks to preserve the purity of fruit, sometimes practising gentle extraction and ageing in stainless steel or older oak to let the terroir shine.

The Bierzo region, nestled in the northwest of Spain, benefits from a unique microclimate influenced by both Atlantic and continental weather patterns. The vineyards are often planted on steep, slate-rich hillsides, which grant the wines a distinct minerality and elegance. Historically, Bierzo was a somewhat overlooked region until a recent revitalisation highlighted its old vines and high-quality potential, especially for red wines with finesse and character.

For food pairings, a Bierzo red such as this would be excellent with roast pork, grilled lamb chops, or chargrilled vegetables. Regional cuisine offers wonderful matches, such as botillo (a hearty cured pork dish from Bierzo) or empanadas filled with spiced meat or tuna. The wine's fresh acidity and vibrant fruit also complement semi-cured cheeses and mushroom-based dishes particularly well.

Serve this wine slightly cool, ideally between 14-16°C, to accentuate its freshness and aromatic complexity. If the wine feels particularly youthful or structured, a brief decanting can help soften and open it up. Enjoy this expressive Bierzo red within the next couple of years to appreciate its lively character and regional charm.