2022 Raul Perez "Sketch" Albariño, Bierzo, Spain
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ABOUT THE WINE
While Albariño is most famously associated with Rías Baixas, “Sketch” is born from a maritime plot in the village of Dena, just meters from the Atlantic coast—though bottled under Bierzo for regulatory reasons. Vines are over 60 years old, farmed organically on decomposed granite soils that lend the wine its signature stony intensity. Grapes are hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed, and fermented with native yeasts in neutral vessels. The wine is aged on the lees for 12 months in old French barrels, often submerged in the ocean during part of élevage, a nod to Pérez’s experimental, site-sensitive style. Aromatically, “Sketch” evokes wet stones, lime blossom, and oyster shell, with flavors of preserved lemon, underripe peach, and fennel. It is a compelling, saline white that pairs naturally with crudo, razor clams, or grilled turbot.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Raúl Pérez is widely regarded as one of Spain’s most visionary and intuitive winemakers, revered for his instinct-driven methods and deep connection to site. Hailing from Valtuille de Abajo in Bierzo, he began his career with his family’s winery before establishing his own label, crafting wines across multiple regions with minimal intervention and maximum terroir expression. Pérez farms organically, works exclusively with native yeasts, and often eschews sulfur and new oak. Each cuvée reflects a quest to translate vineyard energy and tradition through pure, living wines. “Sketch” exemplifies his boundary-pushing philosophy, challenging conventions around place, aging, and typicity, all while honoring the Atlantic soul of Albariño.