2023 El Rapolao Bierzo, Raúl Pérez, La Vizcaína

• Style: Mineral-driven, dark fruit with savoury grip
• Taste: Brooding dark fruit, subtle spice, mineral undertow, refined acidity
• Food: Roasted lamb, aged cheese, game, grilled dishes, steak
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, serious dinner
• Serve: 16–18°C, decant 30 mins, drink now or age 5+ years

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Brooding dark fruit layered with subtle spice and a savoury mineral undertow that lingers long after each sip. The structure is confident without heaviness; the acidity keeps everything dancing. This is a wine that demands a proper glass and time to breathe, rewarding patience with greater depth.

The Winery — Raúl Pérez

Raúl Pérez, born in the Bierzo village of Valtuille de Abajo where his family has cultivated grapes since the 1750s, stands among Spain's most influential winemakers. After studying oenology and working at the family winery Castro Ventosa, he launched his own projects in 2005, focusing on preserving the region's viticultural heritage. His La Vizcaína range spotlights individual plots around his village. El Rapolao—a 1.5-hectare vineyard with vines over 100 years old planted in a field blend of Mencía, Bastardo and Garnacha Tintorera—sits at 550 metres elevation in clay soils. The 2023 vintage gifted exceptional conditions: a cooler growing season that allowed thin-skinned Mencía to achieve remarkable freshness and definition. Raúl employs whole-bunch fermentation and minimal extraction, honouring the vineyard's voice. The wine spends eleven months in large French oak foudres, a gentle vessel that builds structure without oak dominance. Just 1,200 bottles were produced.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This is essential drinking alongside roasted or grilled lamb, aged hard cheeses, and rich game dishes where its savoury weight and grip become indispensable. Its refined acidity and mineral spine make it equally at home with slow-cooked braises, roast dinners and beef dishes. The cooler air at altitude and Bierzo's sheltered aspect between mountains preserve the food-friendly character that defines the region's finest reds. Explore our Bierzo collection to discover more from this legendary terroir, or dive deeper into Spain's aromatic mineral-driven potential through our curated Full Bodied Red Wine selection. Certified organic, hand-harvested, vegan-friendly—this is wine that tastes alive. Decant 30 minutes before serving; drink now or cellar for 5+ years.