Cesar Marquez - Bierzo 'Pico Ferreira' Mencia - 2022

The 2022 Pico Ferreira was sourced from northeast-facing ancient vines in the village of Corullón on shallow slate soils that deliver small bunches. Each of the three plots fermented separately with their own yeasts with 25% full clusters and 45 days of maceration, and the wine matured in a combination of 500- and 600-liter oak barrels for one year. It's open, expressive and juicy, young and fruit-driven but with complexity and depth, keeping the alcohol to a moderate 13.3% alcohol balanced by a pH of 3.67 and 4.99 grams of acidity. It's harmonious, elegant and serious, with has depth and complexity. 95 Points Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate