2023 La Claudina Bierzo, Raúl Pérez, Ultreia

• Style: Mineral-driven, bone-dry Godello
• Taste: Crisp citrus and subtle flint with saline grip
• Food: Shellfish, grilled white fish, goat’s cheese, ceviche
• Occasion: Date night, gifting, aperitivo
• Serve: Chilled; 13.5% ABV, natural cork

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Saline, mineral-driven precision defines this Godello. Crisp lime and grapefruit emerge with a flinty, almost bracing grip that makes your palate awaken before you've finished the first sip. Mouthwatering acidity and not a trace of sweetness create refined tension throughout—no softness, just freshness. At 13.5% ABV, power and poise coexist in perfect balance.

The Winery — Raúl Pérez, Ultreia

Raúl Pérez stands among Spain's most respected winemakers, born and raised in Valtuille de Abajo where his family has farmed since the 1750s. After studying oenology and leading the family estate Castro Ventosa, he launched Ultreia in 2005—the name, from Latin meaning "let's go further," signals his commitment to preserving Bierzo's viticultural heritage. The 2023 La Claudina draws from a half-hectare sandy plot in Villegas, whose well-draining soil encourages deep roots and gives exceptionally elegant wines. A rainy winter replenished reserves; harvest rain brought yield challenges but shaped a vintage Luis Gutiérrez of The Wine Advocate considers among Bierzo's finest ever. Fruit ferments wild in large used oak, skips malolactic conversion, and rests a full year on lees with minimal intervention—philosophy that preserves freshness and lets vineyard terroir dominate. Organic and sustainable farming throughout; 2,500 bottles made, natural cork.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This is the aperitif that needs no excuse, though it begs for the table. Pour it alongside shellfish, grilled white fish, sea urchin, or bright goat's cheese. Its bracing acidity cuts through ceviche and Mediterranean vegetables; equally at home with spicy Asian cuisine, poultry, or salads and light dishes. Serve chilled. Whether you're marking a date night, searching for a gift that impresses, or introducing yourself to Godello, this is the entry point into a producer and region that matter. Pérez's rescue of a nearly extinct variety into thriving mountain expression makes every bottle a small act of viticultural preservation.