Deep red in color with purple nuances, spicy and fruity on the nose with fresh cherries and a hint of flint. The taste starts fresh and juicy and finishes with a fruity aftertaste and light tannins.

 

They exist: wines that taste twice as good as the price suggests. This Saint-Jacques from Bierzo is one of them. That is not entirely surprising, as it is made by one of Spain's most respected and most idiosyncratic winemakers: Raúl Pérez.

Although Pérez is active in various Spanish wine regions and even in Portugal and South Africa, he is rooted in Bierzo. He was born here, in the village of Valtuille de Abajo, and it was here that he also began making wine, on the centuries-old Pérez family estate, Castro Ventosa.

Ultreia is Raúl's first own label and earned him his worldwide cult status. The name refers to the fact that the Camino de Santiago passes through Valtuille. The Latin word 'ultreia' means 'forward' and was used by pilgrims to greet one another. The Saint-Jacques is the red 'entry-level wine' in this series.

 

It is made from Mencia, the quintessential red grape of Bierzo, harvested from various plots in Valtuille. Raúl's winemaking style is very minimalist: his goal is the pure expression of terroir, grape, and vintage. Following manual harvesting, spontaneous fermentation with whole clusters takes place in wooden barrels. After barrel aging, the wine is bottled unfiltered.

 

Not only we, but also greats like Jancis Robinson and The Wine Advocate have been blown away by the sublime quality of this super-charming Bierzo. Wild red fruit, spiciness, smokiness, and minerality on the nose, a smooth, round taste with beautiful freshness and complexity, and enormous aging potential. And all that for an improbably modest price. Don't miss it, because this wine is highly sought after!

Drinks with
Great with spicy, seasoned cold dishes or grilled meals.


Shelf life
Ready to drink from 2 years after harvest, easily keeps for 5 to 6 years.