César Márquez Pérez Valtuille - Mencía 2023

César Márquez Pérez Valtuille 2023 is a beautifully poised red wine from Valtuille de Abajo, one of the great villages of Bierzo. Made primarily from Mencía, with the quiet complexity that old vines and traditional field blends can bring, this is a wine that captures both the freshness and depth of the region.

In the glass, it is fragrant and expressive, with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, violet, dried herbs and a subtle earthy note. There is also a fine mineral edge running through the wine, giving it that unmistakable Bierzo character. It feels bright and lifted, but never simple.

On the palate, the Mencía is silky, fresh and elegant, with fine tannins, juicy red fruit and a savoury finish. The 2023 vintage has a lovely sense of clarity and energy, making the wine feel precise, graceful and very food-friendly. It has enough structure to pair with richer dishes, but it remains beautifully drinkable.

This would be excellent with Ibérico ham, chorizo, grilled pork, roast chicken, lamb, mushrooms, Manchego, lentils, paprika-spiced dishes and anything cooked over fire. Serve it just slightly cool to bring out the freshness and perfume.

A refined and expressive Bierzo red from one of Spain’s most exciting winemakers, César Márquez Valtuille 2023 is all about elegance, minerality and quiet intensity.