César Marquez - Bierzo DO - Parajes - Red - 2023

Wine:

Sourced from century-old vines planted at high altitude, the 2023 red Bierzo Parajes wine captures the very soul of the region. It's a pure Mencía, crafted from parcels across nine different villages in Bierzo, each vinified separately. The result is a deeply expressive red with refined aromas of syrupy fruit, offering impressive character at a very accessible price. Its juicy, pure, and flavorful texture is framed by fine tannins—precise, understated, and aged with subtlety. A remarkable find! Rated 93/100 by the Selection Committee.

Vinification:

Hand harvested and blend of grapes from 48 plots. Maceration of the berries for 17 to 60 days. Aged for 12 months in 225, 400, 500 and 600 liter barrels.

Color:

Intense red, brilliant with carmine highlights.

Nose:

A pure and precise nose with aromas of fruit in syrup, offering a sapid and silky expression, without any ostentatious signs of aging.

Palate:

The palate is juicy and energetic, carried by beautiful freshness, delicate tannins and a slender structure that accurately reflects the brilliance of the 2023 vintage without artifice.

Temperature:

Serve at 14–16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Spiced duck breast, pulled beef casserole, roast cockerel, and pan-fried mushrooms.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2030

César Márquez is no ordinary winemaker. Nephew of Raúl Pérez, he shares the same remarkable talent and instinct for blending terroirs and mastering vinification, crafting monumental wines of precision and finesse in Bierzo.

Working with century-old vines and carefully defined plots, he focuses relentlessly on freshness and altitude, guided by a deep understanding of aging—using stainless steel tanks, barrels, and demi-muids (500 to 600 liters) to perfect balance and expression.

A pure talent redefining the identity of these Spanish terroirs, his work has earned widespread acclaim—most notably from the Parker Guide, which praises him in glowing terms.