2024 Raúl Pérez La Vizcaina - La del Vivo Bierzo Castilla y León Spain

Raúl Pérez produces several wines under the La Vizcaína label, sourced from some of the finest vineyards surrounding his hometown of Valtuille de Abajo. La del Vivo originates from two parcels, La Poulosa and Las Villegas, both planted more than 80 years ago. The wine is a field blend composed primarily of Godello with a small proportion of Doña Blanca. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts only, with 80% of the wine fermented in old 500-litre French oak barrels and the remaining 20% fermented and aged on the skins in a large clay amphora. After 12 months of ageing, the wine is blended and bottled without fining or filtration. La del Vivo is entirely unique, although parallels can be drawn with great Chablis or cool-climate Chardonnay from Jura. The nose reveals bergamot, white flowers, tea, cultured milk, green apples, crushed limestone and mint. On the palate, the wine displays extraordinary precision, a creamy texture and a wealth of citrus fruit. Best served after 30 minutes in a decanter at 9-10°C.