2022 La Vizcaína by Raúl Pérez “El Rapolao” Tinto, Bierzo, Spain

ABOUT THE WINE

The 2022 La Vizcaína “El Rapolao” is a site-specific bottling from a cool, north-facing vineyard in Valtuille de Abajo, where old vines of Mencía—some approaching 100 years—are rooted in clay-limestone soils with underlying slate. The vineyard’s exposure and elevation lend the wine its distinctive lift and elegance, while meticulous organic farming and low yields provide intensity without heaviness. Fermentation is spontaneous with whole clusters, and the wine is aged in large, neutral oak barrels to preserve its aromatic clarity and textural purity.

This vintage shows remarkable tension and nuance: red currant, wild herbs, and graphite meet darker notes of black plum and earth. The wine is medium-bodied with taut structure and linear acidity, driven by savory minerality and finely integrated tannins. A touch of stem inclusion adds freshness and grip, enhancing its aging potential. “El Rapolao” is a contemplative wine—suited to roasted game, duck breast, or mushroom-based dishes—and a prime example of how Mencía can reflect Burgundian finesse through a distinctly Atlantic lens.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Raúl Pérez is a leading figure in Spanish wine, known for his deep-rooted connection to Bierzo and his groundbreaking work with native varieties and forgotten sites. Through his La Vizcaína project, Pérez highlights individual vineyards around Valtuille de Abajo, focusing on micro-terroirs and ancient bush vines. His philosophy—minimal intervention in both vineyard and cellar—relies on organic farming, spontaneous fermentations, and aging in large, neutral oak to emphasize purity and terroir expression.

“El Rapolao” is one of Bierzo’s most revered crus, and Pérez was among the first to vinify it separately, revealing its distinct character shaped by cool air currents and slow ripening. With each vintage, Raúl Pérez continues to redefine Bierzo’s identity, bridging tradition and modernity through intuitive, terroir-focused winemaking.