Those, who are familiar with the variety, often call the Spanish grape Mencía, “Pinot Noir on steroids” because it combines pure, vibrant red fruit with a richer body, firmer tannins, and a spicy character. The Ultreia Saint Jacques 2023 by Raúl Pérez is exactly that — and even more. In fact, Robert Parker has stated that it far surpasses most wines in its price category, awarding it an impressive 93+ points.
Raúl Pérez is one of the most renowned winemakers of Bierzo. Having learned alongside the legendary Álvaro Palacios, he mastered the secrets of biodynamic viticulture and the Mencía grape. Around the year 2000, Pérez also turned to biodynamic farming and gentle natural winemaking practices. He allows the terroir and the grape variety to speak for themselves, which is why his wines have so much to say.
His first personal project was Ultreia, launched in 2003. “Ultreia” was an ancient greeting used by pilgrims traveling the Camino to Santiago, meaning “go further.” Since this tradition is deeply connected to Raúl’s homeland, he chose the name both to honor his roots and to symbolize the beginning of a remarkable journey that would take him further.
For Ultreia Saint Jacques, the grapes are harvested by hand, as whole clusters are required for fermentation — a technique responsible for the wine’s explosively fruity and aromatic character. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in 3,000- and 5,000-liter oak vats. The wine is then aged for 14 months in large oak casks and bottled unfiltered, preserving all the finesse and magic of the Mencía grape.
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