El Castro de Valtuille is the signature wine of Raúl Pérez, one of the most internationally recognised winemakers by the international critics (Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, Decanter), produced in the family winery Castro Ventosa in the unique area of Valtuille de Abajo, in the heart of Bierzo. A red that captures the pure essence of the Mencía grape grown in old vineyards between 30 and 50 years on slate and Atlantic clay soils.

The Seal of Raúl Pérez

Raúl Pérez is considered one of the most influential winemakers in the world. Its philosophy is based on absolute respect for the terroir, minimal intervention in the winery, and the honest expression of the native variety. With El Castro de Valtuille, Pérez achieves a Mencía that faithfully reflects the identity of Valtuille de Abajo: fresh, mineral, fruity, and deeply Bierzo.

Technical Sheet

• Winery: Castro Ventosa (founded in 1752)
• Winemaker: Raúl Pérez
• Location: Valtuille de Abajo, D.O. Bierzo
• Variety: 100% Mencía
• Vineyard: Old vines of 30-50 years
• Soil: Slate and Atlantic clay
• Alcohol Content: 13.5% vol.
• Harvest: Manual, rigorous selection
• Production: Fermentation in stainless steel
• Aging: Brief maturation to preserve freshness

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Intense cherry red of medium-high depth with violet edges that denote its youth and vitality
• Nose: Intense and complex: fresh red fruit (strawberry, cherry, raspberry), subtle floral notes, mineral slate background, and an Atlantic herbaceous touch
• Palate: Gentle and fresh entry, soft and silky tannins, balanced acidity that adds liveliness, clean finish with fruity and mineral notes

Pairing and Service

This Mencía from Raúl Pérez is incredibly versatile at the table. It pairs perfectly with León cold cuts, Bercian botillo, grilled white meats, meat rice dishes, pasta with tomato sauce, gourmet pizzas and soft cheeses. It is also ideal for enjoying as an appetizer.

Serving temperature: 14-16°C. It is recommended to decant 10-15 minutes before serving to open its aromas.

Why choose El Castro de Valtuille?

• Authored by Raúl Pérez: One of the 100 most influential winemakers in the world according to Decanter
• Old vines: Natural concentration of aromas and minerals
• Unique location: Valtuille de Abajo, cradle of the best Mencía from Bierzo
• Historic winery: Castro Ventosa, founded in 1752, over 270 years of tradition
• Exceptional quality-price ratio: Access to an author wine at an affordable price

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Raúl Pérez and why is he important?

Raúl Pérez is a world-renowned Bercian winemaker, awarded Best Winemaker in the World by the French magazine Bettane+Desseauve in 2016. His wines are regularly rated 90+ points by Robert Parker and Wine Advocate. He works with native Spanish varieties and is considered a benchmark of author viticulture.

What makes Valtuille de Abajo special?

Valtuille de Abajo is a unique location in Bierzo with slate and clay soils, an Atlantic microclimate, and old Mencía vines. This unique terroir gives the wines a distinctive minerality, Atlantic freshness, and an exceptional aromatic concentration that sets them apart from other Mencía.

How long can I keep this wine?

As a young Mencía made to express fresh fruit, it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 years following the vintage to enjoy its maximum fruity expression and vitality. However, its structure allows for a brief evolution in the bottle if desired.

Is it a wine suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, El Castro de Valtuille is made with minimal intervention and without animal-derived fining agents, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.