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Winery: Bodegas Raúl Perez

Country / Region: SPAIN / Castilla y Leon – Bierzo

Date Winery was established: 1752

Grape Variety: Godello

Year the vintage was first released: 2016

Alcohol Content / Volume: 13.5% / 750ml

Ratings: 90 pts. CellarTracker

Good to Know: Raúl Perez, a prominent winemaker hailing from Spain, holds various positions in the industry. Apart from operating his own renowned label, he also serves as a consultant to other companies. Widely recognized for his expertise in the Bierzo region and his mastery of the Mencia grape variety, Raúl Perez undertakes projects throughout Spain.

Under his own name, Raúl produces over 20 distinct wines, albeit in limited quantities. Some of these wines have also been released under the banner of the Compañía de Vinos del Atlántico partnership. Moreover, Raúl collaborates with the Graillot family of Crozes-Hermitage to create the Encinas Bierzo Mencia.

Furthermore, Raúl's family has been the owner of Castro Ventosa in Bierzo since its establishment in 1752. Raúl has actively contributed to winemaking at Castro Ventosa since his teenage years. In partnership with his wife, Noelia de Paz, they produce La Tentacion, an exceptional Spanish Pinot Noir originating from a minuscule vineyard in Bierzo. The wine undergoes fermentation in whole clusters using open top fermenters and is aged for 12 months in oak barrels.

The 2023 vintage of Raúl Pérez 'Ultreia' Godello is a deeply expressive milestone for this Bierzo white. Sourced primarily from recently transitioned organic vineyards in Cacabelos, this release stands out for its unusually slow, nine-month fermentation. It is also the winemaker's first white to undergo full malolactic fermentation, creating what is considered his most "Burgundian" expression yet. It displays a radiant golden hue with a ripe bouquet of yellow fruit, citrus, and crushed almonds. On the palate, it offers a round, tender mouthfeel that balances a core of fruit with lively acidity, concluding with a dry, chalky finish and a subtle bitter twist. Because of its beautifully textured complexity, this exceptional Godello demands bright, coastal flavors and pairs wonderfully with grilled sea bass, raw scallops, vibrant seafood paella, and delicate soft cheeses.