Castro Ventosa Valtuille Villegas 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in the municipality of Valtuille, the Castro Ventosa winery is owned by the Pérez family, winemakers in the Bierzo region since the mid-18th century. It is led by renowned winemaker Raúl Pérez, assisted by his son. The winery's name pays homage to the ancient Roman site located near its headquarters. Valtuille Villegas is a blend of Mencía, Alicante Bouschet, and other native red grape varieties, sourced from an organic vineyard with over a century-old vines planted on predominantly sandy soil. After manual harvesting and spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in large open barrels, the wine is left to macerate on the skins. The finished wine then ages for a year in used barrels. Produced in limited quantities, the wine reveals a refined character and a broad, fragrant aromatic profile with notes of cherry and blackberry, floral hints, and delicate spicy touches. On the palate, it is fruity and expressive, concentrated and seductive. It has a velvety texture and a long, ethereal finish. It's a wine capable of long aging and is also versatile when paired with food. Try it with guinea fowl breast stuffed with mushrooms.