How lucky we were to cross paths with Raúl Pérez 20 years ago in Valtuille de Abajo… His name and reputation in the wine world now stand among the very greatest Spain has to offer.
Active throughout Atlantic Spain, from Galicia to Bierzo, León and countless other regions. But the common thread in all his work remains that distinct Atlantic and Galician character, the velvet glove that defines his wines.
That earthy feel, the expression of terroir, the unmistakable character in everything he produces.
With his family estate Castro Ventosa,
he scores once again.
The family owns nearly 90% of the very best vineyard plots surrounding the village of Valtuille de Abajo.
Here, Raúl produces his own Ultreia, always slightly firmer in structure, the small project La Vizcaína with his cousin, the most accessible wines, and the wines of the family estate where it all began: Castro Ventosa.
Personally, these are my favourites, as they are always the most balanced and the most age-worthy. These are wines that can easily age for 20 years or more.
Today, it is his cousin César who acts as the estate’s oenologist, and he does an outstanding job.
The main grape variety remains Mencía, which he masters with remarkable precision. Honestly, alongside Garnacha, it is also my favourite Spanish grape. The most complete, the most complex.
In recent years, the wines of Castro Ventosa have consistently delivered top scores. Villegas, Rapolao, La Vitoriana… are gradually becoming the equivalent of Burgundy’s grand crus.
Within 10 to 20 years, these terroirs will be spoken of in the same way as Richebourg, Grands Échezeaux and Le Chambertin are today…
That comes at a price: allocations become smaller every year as fame and global demand continue to grow.
But take note: the style always remains Atlantic and focused on elegance. This is without doubt the most Burgundian region in Spain.
And the 2023 vintage fully confirms this exceptional reputation! The most elegant vintage so far, with the highest scores to match…
And the ageing potential is simply enormous!