César Marquez - Bierzo DO - Parajes - Rouge - 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 that showcases the pure intensity of the Mencia grape. The concentrated, fleshy, precise, and vibrant texture is well-framed by an abundance of red and black fruits, with carefully adjusted oak. A superb discovery. Perfect with a côte de bœuf! 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 enchanting, with the purity of the Mencia grape variety, abundant red and black fruit notes and a subtle oakiness.

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 a winemaker to watch closely in Bierzo, as his wines consistently impress during tastings. Nephew of the renowned Raúl Pérez, he shares the same talent and innate sense for blending terroirs and vinification, crafting monumental cuvées of precision and finesse in Bierzo. His understanding of the terroir is recognized as one of the most precise in Spain. Parker noticed his talent from his very first vintages, and Marquez is also at the heart of the Castro Ventosa project, the oldest and most legendary bodega in Bierzo.

His work is guided by centenarian vines, meticulous parcel work, a relentless pursuit of freshness, and high-altitude vineyards. This is combined with his mastery of aging, utilizing stainless steel tanks, barrels, and large 500 to 600-liter demi-muids.