César Marquez - Bierzo DO - Parajes - Red - 2022

Wine:

From century-old vines planted at high altitude, the 2022 red Bierzo Parajes captures the essence of this region. This blend of 85% Mencia from nine Bierzo villages, with each lot vinified separately, results in a fragrant and captivating red wine that showcases the pure intensity of the Mencia grape. The concentrated, rich, precise, and vibrant texture is well-framed by an abundance of red and black fruits flavors, with hints of oak. A superb discovery. Perfect with a côte de bœuf! A Selection Committee favorite, rated 94/100.

Vinification:

Hand harvested and blended from 48 plots. Maceration of grapes for 17 to 60 days. Aged for 12 months in 225-, 400-, 500- and 600-liter barrels.

Color:

Intense, brilliant red with carmine highlights.

Nose:

Fragrant and captivating, showcasing the purity of the Mencia grape with abundant red and dark fruit notes and a hint of subtle oak

Palate:

Concentrated, full-bodied and precise, a tonic structure with magnificent precision.

Temperature:

Serve between 14 and 16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Spiced duck breast, shredded beef casserole, roast cockerel and pan-fried mushrooms.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2031

César Marquez is quickly becoming a standout name in Bierzo, earning high praise for his impressive wines. A nephew of renowned winemaker Raúl Pérez, he shares the same instinctive talent for blending terroirs and crafting exceptional wines that showcase Bierzo’s unique character with precision and finesse. César caught Parker’s attention with his very first vintages and is also a driving force behind Castro Ventosa, Bierzo's oldest and most iconic winery.

His approach combines century-old vines, careful vineyard selection, and a focus on freshness and altitude. The result is wines that benefit from expert aging, whether in stainless steel, traditional barrels, or larger demi-muids, achieving a balance that sets his work apart.