Raul Perez Loa Arrotos del Pendon Albarin 2022

LOS ARROTOS DEL PENDÓN ALBARÍN 2022

Producer, Origin and Background

Raúl Pérez is one of the most recognised figures in contemporary Spanish wine and one of the winemakers who has done most to explore the potential of lesser-known varieties and territories. Although his name is particularly associated with Bierzo, his work extends across different areas of northwestern Spain, always with a strong focus on indigenous varieties and vineyard expression.

Los Arrotos del Pendón Albarín was born in León as part of this search for local varieties. The project focuses on Albarín Blanco, an indigenous grape variety from León that came close to disappearing and which Raúl Pérez interprets here through a highly distinctive winemaking approach.

Philosophy

Los Arrotos del Pendón reflects the desire to recover and highlight a little-known viticultural heritage. In this case, Albarín is the absolute protagonist, a grape variety with remarkable aromatic intensity and naturally high acidity.

The prolonged ageing under flor adds another dimension to the wine, providing complexity, depth and distinctive nuances while preserving the freshness characteristic of the variety.

Winemaking and Vintage

The grape sourcing and winemaking of Los Arrotos del Pendón Albarín 2022 is based on a vineyard in Villamañán, south of León, at approximately 800-810 metres above sea level. The vines are around 55 years old and planted on clay soils with rounded pebbles.

The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts in used 500-litre French oak barrels. The wine then spends several years ageing under flor, giving it a distinctive personality and an unusual level of complexity for a white wine made from Albarín. Some barrels naturally develop a layer of flor.

Vineyard and Grape Variety

Albarín Blanco is an indigenous grape variety from León, known for its aromatic intensity and ability to retain natural acidity. The old vines in Villamañán, planted at high altitude on clay and pebble soils, provide the conditions for producing a fresh, expressive wine with ageing potential.

Los Arrotos del Pendón is also an important statement in favour of this rare variety and its viticultural heritage.

Tasting Note

Golden yellow in colour.

The nose is expressive and complex, with aromas of citrus, mandarin peel, lime and ripe stone fruit, accompanied by white flowers and herbal notes reminiscent of thyme. The prolonged ageing also contributes nuances derived from its evolution under flor.

On the palate, it is fresh, creamy and enveloping, with vibrant acidity providing tension and balance. Its texture is broad and harmonious, with citrus and herbal flavours leading to a long and persistent finish.

Pairings

Its freshness and complexity make it an excellent match for shellfish, white fish, seafood rice dishes, white meats, poultry, Japanese cuisine and soft cheeses. It is also particularly interesting with dishes where its slightly evolved character and ageing nuances can provide an attractive contrast.

Technical Details

Producer: Raúl Pérez Bodegas y Viñedos

Wine: Los Arrotos del Pendón Albarín

Vintage: 2022

Appellation: V.T. Castilla y León / Tierra de León

Origin: Villamañán, León

Grape variety: 100% Albarín

Wine type: White wine

Fermentation: In 500-litre barrels with indigenous yeasts

Ageing: Prolonged ageing under flor, approximately 2 to 3 years

Alcohol: 13.5% vol.

Bottle size: 75 cl

Serving temperature: 9-12 ºC

Allergens: Contains sulphites

Ratings

Peñín: 91 points, 2022 vintage.