Bodegas y Viñedos Raul Perez

Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez is a family winery in Bierzo, north-west Spain, rooted in vinegrowing that dates back to 1752. Raúl Pérez returned to work the family estate at Valtuille and fundamentally transformed its reputation. His influence across the region has been electrifying. Today, the winery produces distinctive wines from Mencia and Godello that earn consistent praise from major critics, with multiple bottles scoring 94 points and above.

About Bodegas y Viñedos Raul Perez

The winery takes its name from Castro Ventosa, or Castro Bergidum, the Roman settlement on the hill beside the family property. Raúl Pérez inherited vineyards with deep roots in the region and brought a modern, thoughtful approach to winemaking that has become a reference point in north-west Spain. His philosophy centres on respecting the terroir of Bierzo and coaxing the region's unique character into the bottle.

The producer manages multiple vineyard sites under different labels: the Ultreia series and holdings at La Vizcaína. Pérez works with whole-bunch fermentation and wild yeasts, allowing extended maceration that can run for 90 days or longer. Oak ageing is carefully calibrated—some wines see extended time in barrel to develop complexity and structure. This combination of natural fermentation, long skin contact, and patient maturation means the wines have density and character that reward both immediate drinking and cellaring.

Mencia is Pérez' signature red grape in Bierzo, capable of producing wines with real intensity and aging potential. His white wines from Godello show tropical fruit, mineral balance, and a precision that reflects the high-altitude vineyards of the region. Each bottling is a distinct expression of its vineyard site, from the entry-level Ultreia range through to the single-vineyard bottlings like Valtuille and La Claudina, which represent the upper tier of what Bierzo can achieve.

Bodegas y Viñedos Raul Perez Wines in Our Collection

The 2023 Valtuille Bierzo (Mencia) is the flagship red: it earned 97 points from both James Suckling and Robert Parker The Wine Advocate, plus 94 from Tim Atkin. This is the wine to buy if you want to understand what Raúl Pérez is capable of. The structure and intensity reflect serious old-vine material and disciplined winemaking. Similarly, the 2023 La Claudina Bierzo (Godello) scored 96 from Robert Parker and 95 from James Suckling—a white wine with genuine depth and ageing potential, not just summer drinking.

For broader exploration, the 2023 La Vitoriana Bierzo and 2023 Las Gundiñas Bierzo (both Mencia) hit 95 points and offer fine examples of the producer's red work at slightly less rarefied price points. The 2023 La del Vivo Bierzo (Godello) scored 95 from James Suckling and 94 from Guía Peñín, delivering tropical fruit and balance. The 2023 Saint Jacques Bierzo (Mencia) provides an approachable entry to the range, while the 2023 Godello Bierzo (Godello) offers white-wine fans a balanced, fruit-forward introduction at 91 points. Each wine reflects the producer's commitment to expression through natural fermentation and unhurried maturation.

Food Pairing

The Mencia reds work beautifully with game, slow-braised beef, and mushroom-based dishes where the wine's tannins and dark fruit can shine. Cured meats and aged cheeses are natural partners. The Godello whites pair with seafood, white fish with cream or butter sauces, and lighter poultry dishes. The mineral backbone of La Claudina and La del Vivo makes them excellent with shellfish and dishes where salinity and acidity matter.

What makes Raúl Pérez's winemaking distinctive?

Pérez uses whole-bunch fermentation with wild yeasts and extended maceration—often 90+ days—followed by patient oak ageing. This natural, minimalist approach develops complexity and reflects vineyard character rather than winemaker intervention.

How long has this winery been operating?

The family has grown vines in Valtuille since at least 1752. Raúl Pérez returned to work the family estate and transformed it into a reference producer for Bierzo wines.

Which wines offer the best introduction to this producer?

Start with 2023 Saint Jacques (Mencia, 91pts) or 2023 Godello (Godello, 91pts). For serious exploration, move to Valtuille or La Claudina, which scored 96–97 points from major critics.

Who makes Bodegas y Viñedos Raul Perez wines?

Raúl Pérez, a winemaker who returned to his family estate in Valtuille, Bierzo, north-west Spain. The winery's vinegrowing roots date back to 1752, and Pérez has transformed its reputation through modern, thoughtful winemaking.

What style of wine does Bodegas y Viñedos Raul Perez make?

Red wines from Mencia and white wines from Godello, both rich in character. The Mencias are intense with aging potential; Godellos show tropical fruit and mineral balance. The 2023 Valtuille Mencia scored 96 points.

How much does Bodegas y Viñedos Raul Perez wine cost?

Between £16.85 and £54.25. Entry-level bottles start around £17, mid-range single-vineyard whites and reds sit between £25 and £29, and premium expressions like Valtuille reach £54.