Raul Pérez
Ultreia Bierzo Mencia
Bierzo, Castilla y León, Spain
Before we get into the notes on this wine, let’s get something out of the way first: the labeling on the Ultreia branded wines by Raul Pérez is downright confusing. The entry-level is designated “Saint Jacques” (which is a fabulous wine and incredible QPR)…and then comes this plain label “Ultreia” before you step up to the other designations of “Valtuille”, “La Claudina”, etc which are higher-end??. It’s really tough to understand the hierarchy. The good news? It really doesn’t matter when all the wines are really quite stunning. And this bottle is absolutely representative of Señior Pérez's impeccable style.
Popped and poured; consumed over three days. Best on Day 2. On the nose, blue berries, dark cherries, brambles, exotic spices…giving way to spiced lamb after a lot of air, roses, incense, and underbrush. On the palate, red fruit which transitions to more of a darker fruit profile after Day 2, with some mushrooms, deli meat and minerals. Really sound structure. Medium-plus acid, medium plus tannin. The finish is long and satisfying; tongue smacking. Even at $35, this is a killer deal. What a wine.
Before we get into the notes on this wine, let’s get something out of the way first: the labeling on the Ultreia branded wines by Raul Pérez is downright confusing. The entry-level is designated “Saint Jacques” (which is a fabulous wine and incredible QPR)…and then comes this plain label “Ultreia” before you step up to the other designations of “Valtuille”, “La Claudina”, etc which are higher-end??. It’s really tough to understand the hierarchy. The good news? It really doesn’t matter when all the wines are really quite stunning. And this bottle is absolutely representative of Señior Pérez's impeccable style.
Popped and poured; consumed over three days. Best on Day 2. On the nose, blue berries, dark cherries, brambles, exotic spices…giving way to spiced lamb after a lot of air, roses, incense, and underbrush. On the palate, red fruit which transitions to more of a darker fruit profile after Day 2, with some mushrooms, deli meat and minerals. Really sound structure. Medium-plus acid, medium plus tannin. The finish is long and satisfying; tongue smacking. Even at $35, this is a killer deal. What a wine.
Whole cluster, carbonic, lean and funky. Like cru Beaujolais
Whole cluster, carbonic, lean and funky. Like cru Beaujolais
Apr 24th, 2018Tasted some potential, but brett really hid this wine.
Tasted some potential, but brett really hid this wine.
Mar 9th, 2018
Great #Mencia #wine! Layered aromas. Perfumy, potpourri, wet stemmy. Fine earthiness. Like Cru Beaujolais on steroids. Tannins are engaged and sharp. Brambly fruit. Opened 9/19/17
Great #Mencia #wine! Layered aromas. Perfumy, potpourri, wet stemmy. Fine earthiness. Like Cru Beaujolais on steroids. Tannins are engaged and sharp. Brambly fruit. Opened 9/19/17
Sep 21st, 2017Forceful and hot, comes alive with spare ribs
Forceful and hot, comes alive with spare ribs
Sep 1st, 2017Intense, tart cherries. Bitter balance. My second Mencia. Not tart. With risotto xmas dinner in our apartment in Madrid
Intense, tart cherries. Bitter balance. My second Mencia. Not tart. With risotto xmas dinner in our apartment in Madrid
Dec 25th, 2016
Shy at first, then the ripe fruit (long maceration, but it does not seem to hurt) comes up, full bodied, young, intense
Shy at first, then the ripe fruit (long maceration, but it does not seem to hurt) comes up, full bodied, young, intense
Dec 7th, 2014
Got this for less than $35 so I don’t get the delectable price listing. This is pretty simple. Fruity with a bit of grip. Reminds me of a simple Beaujolais.
Got this for less than $35 so I don’t get the delectable price listing. This is pretty simple. Fruity with a bit of grip. Reminds me of a simple Beaujolais.
Feb 23rd, 2018Nice jammy and fruity wine that went well with my tacos. This wine got significantly better after an hour open. Not an elegant or high-class dinner wine, but perfect for a casual meal with some spice in it.
Nice jammy and fruity wine that went well with my tacos. This wine got significantly better after an hour open. Not an elegant or high-class dinner wine, but perfect for a casual meal with some spice in it.
Aug 12th, 2021
A very delicious and very juicy Mencia from Bierzo. Green aromas on the nose, but a ton of fruit and earth with soft tannins and great acid lift on the finish. Delicious.
A very delicious and very juicy Mencia from Bierzo. Green aromas on the nose, but a ton of fruit and earth with soft tannins and great acid lift on the finish. Delicious.
Oct 24th, 2019