Estévez Bodegas y Viñedos – Versos de Valtuille 2022 – Bierzo Spain

Versos de Valtuille 2022 is an old-vine Mencía by Estévez Bodegas y Viñedos, sourced from a mosaic of vineyards in Valtuille de Abajo, Bierzo. Aged in large French oak foudres, it captures the diversity of soils and exposures of the village, combining depth, freshness, and a strong sense of place.

🍷 At a Glance

• Grape: Mencía
• Region: Bierzo, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Vine age: 75+ year old vines
• Altitude: 500–550 m
• Soils: Clay, slate, limestone, and rounded stones
• Fermentation: Spontaneous with native yeasts; 10% whole cluster
• Aging: 10 months in 7,500 L French oak foudres
• Style: Dry red wine
• Production: 70,000 bottles

👃 Tasting Notes & Experience

• Body: Medium-bodied with energy and flow
• Fruit: Red berries and fresh cherry
• Savory: Herbal and mineral notes with subtle earthiness
• Structure: Fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a balanced, expressive finish

The wine opens with bright red fruit aromas layered with floral, herbal, and mineral nuances. On the palate, it is vibrant and expressive, showing freshness and depth in equal measure. Fine tannins and lively acidity frame the fruit, leading to a clean, balanced finish that reflects the diversity of the vineyards behind it.

❤️ Why We Love It

• A village-level expression of old-vine Mencía
• Large-format foudres preserve purity and freshness
• Elegant, terroir-driven Bierzo with great drinkability

🍽️ Food Pairing Ideas

• Grilled meats and roasted vegetables
• Mushroom-based dishes and lentils
• Charcuterie and semi-aged cheeses

👤 Who This Wine Is For

✓ Lovers of fresh, terroir-driven red wines
✓ Fans of elegant, old-vine Mencía
✕ Not ideal if you prefer very heavy, heavily oaked reds

92 Points – Robert Parker • 90 Points – Tim Atkin