{"title":"Raúl Pérez | Bierzo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Collection_Banner_de2c592d-8c08-425c-a19e-cae95d9b5f47.jpg?v=1589735302\" alt=\"Raúl Pérez winemaker tending his vineyards in Bierzo\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eUniversally recognised as one of the most visionary figures in modern viticulture, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"83\"\u003eRaúl Pérez\u003c\/b\u003e is the archetype of the intuitive winemaking genius. Born into a family that has quietly tended vines in the Bierzo village of Valtuille de Abajo for over 300 years, his connection to the land is absolute. After producing his first vintage in 1994 at just 22 years old, he eventually struck out on his own in 2005 to establish Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez. This pivotal move quickly transformed his eponymous label into the ultimate point of reference for the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"554\"\u003eBierzo\u003c\/b\u003e appellation and placed him at the very forefront of the \"New Spain\" wine movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eWhile his highly sought-after projects have since expanded to include acclaimed expressions from Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, and Tierra de León, his heart remains firmly rooted in Valtuille. This central village comprises just 10% of Bierzo's total vineyard area but holds an enviable spread of immensely complex, ancient terroir. The viticulture here is extraordinary. Rather than neat, single-variety rows, the vineyards are historic, deeply rooted field blends. They are dominated by the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"491\"\u003eMencía\u003c\/b\u003e grape, which grows in intertwined harmony alongside native co-plantings of Bastardo, Brancellao, Alicante Bouschet, Godello, and Doña Blanca.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eDespite being named 'Best Winemaker in the World' by prestigious international publications, his incredible talent is far exceeded by his profound humility and generosity of spirit. He firmly rejects the concept of heavily manipulated production. Instead, he acts as a quiet guide for the grapes. His \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"301\"\u003eSpanish wines\u003c\/b\u003e are completely unadulterated, authentic expressions of the specific villages and rugged vineyards from which they hail. Pouring a glass of Raúl Pérez wine is not just about tasting exceptional craftsmanship; it is experiencing the pure, raw soul of the Spanish terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"6\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRAÚL PÉREZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"raul-perez-ultreia-godello","title":"Raúl Pérez Ultreia Godello 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eRaúl Pérez produces the superb white wine 'Ultreia' Godello from three sites that combine estate-owned and bought in grapes. The estate-owned vineyards are in the eastern part of Bierzo planted on schist and clay soils with vines averaging 30-35 years old. Harvest here takes place a full 20 days later than in Valtuille, yielding grapes with high natural acidity and providing excellent blending material. Grapes are purchased from Cacabelos which is located on deeper clay-stony soils and from Valtuille where the vineyards have a higher percentage of sand. All plots are fermented in oak tank and assembled just before bottling. Ageing takes place in barrels of various sizes and ages. The estate owned fruit is aged in the Ultreia cellar where a small layer of flor is allowed to develop. Bottling takes place after 12 months with no racking or battonage. This is a fresh, well balanced expression of Godello with ripe citrus, red apples and blossom notes. The palate is vibrant and fresh with an explosion of fruit flavours. It has brilliant acidity and with a touch of slate \/ stoniness the wine finishes crisp and refreshing.[#intro]For a Spaniard, Godello may be the closest thing you can get to Burgundy...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Raúl Pérez","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40017963745347,"sku":"A21RAULPEREZGODELLO","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/GodelloBottle.jpg?v=1655975037"},{"product_id":"raul-perez-ultreia-la-claudina","title":"Raúl Pérez Ultreia 'La Claudina' 2023","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"21\"\u003e'La Claudina'\u003c\/b\u003e is a true masterpiece of modern winemaking and a stunning showcase of the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"109\"\u003eGodello\u003c\/b\u003e grape. Crafted by the visionary Raúl Pérez in the heart of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"176\"\u003eBierzo\u003c\/b\u003e, this is a white wine that completely rewrites the rulebook. It is an intellectual, thought-provoking pour designed for those who appreciate serious depth and texture in their glass. Instead of using modern stainless steel, Raúl ages this exceptional \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"68\"\u003eSpanish white wine\u003c\/b\u003e in large, old wooden barrels. During this quiet resting period, something highly unusual and magical happens: a delicate layer of naturally occurring yeast, known as \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"253\"\u003eflor\u003c\/i\u003e, forms over the surface of the wine. This is the same historic, natural technique used to make traditional Sherry, and it imparts an incredible, savoury complexity to the finished bottle. On the palate, you are greeted with a beautiful, enveloping richness. Ripe, baked orchard fruits and warm citrus notes are perfectly balanced by a totally unique, slightly nutty, and salty maritime character brought on by the \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"226\"\u003eflor\u003c\/i\u003e. It is a beautifully textured, multifaceted \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"275\"\u003efine wine\u003c\/b\u003e that constantly evolves in the glass. It demands to be poured alongside something equally special, pairing brilliantly with roasted monkfish, rich scallops, or a board of premium cured Spanish meats.[#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA profoundly complex Spanish white wine offering rich orchard fruit \u0026amp; a unique saline finish...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Raúl Pérez","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58118558974333,"sku":"A23RAULPEREZLACLAUDINA","price":53.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/LaClaudinaBT.jpg?v=1777793943"},{"product_id":"raul-perez-ultreia-saint-jacques-red-wine","title":"Raúl Pérez Ultreia `Saint Jacques` 2023","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRaúl Pérez Ultreia 'Saint Jacques'\u003c\/b\u003e is the perfect introduction to one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world. Produced in the mountainous \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"146\"\u003eBierzo\u003c\/b\u003e region, this exceptional \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"178\"\u003eSpanish red wine\u003c\/b\u003e completely changes the narrative of what a red wine from Spain can be. While many famous Spanish reds rely on heavy oak and power, this wine is all about Atlantic freshness, elegance, and vibrant energy. The secret to its complexity lies in the ancient vineyards it comes from, with many plots planted between 1900 and 1940. Rather than being a single-varietal wine, it is a traditional field blend. The \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"200\"\u003eMencía\u003c\/b\u003e is naturally co-planted with small amounts of other indigenous grapes like Bastardo, Garnacha Tintorera, and even a few white varieties. This mix of incredibly old vines provides a fantastic depth of flavour without making the wine feel heavy. The aroma is beautiful and expressive, offering bright notes of crushed wild raspberries, fresh violets, and a subtle, earthy mountain freshness. In the glass, it is brilliantly lively and medium-bodied. It avoids harsh tannins or thick oak flavours, offering instead a pure, incredibly smooth texture that finishes with a mouth-watering, stony crispness. It is an uplifting and highly expressive style of wine that remains incredibly easy to drink. Thanks to its energetic profile and bright fruit flavours, this field blend is brilliantly food-friendly. It is a fantastic companion for a simple plate of cured meats and hard cheeses, a rustic mushroom tart, or a slow-roasted shoulder of lamb. [#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA wonderfully fresh, vibrant red field blend packed with crushed wild berries and floral energy...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Raúl Pérez","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58120657043837,"sku":"A23RAULPEREZSAINTJACQUES","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/SaintJacquesBT.jpg?v=1777888409"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Collection_Image_3bdec571-414e-462b-824a-9dea06d87cfe.jpg?v=1589735398","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/raul-perez.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}