D. O. Tierra de León, Spain- 100% Prieto Picudo from a plot of 2 hectares at 900 m. of altitude, located in the town of Pajares de los Oteros (León). The wine fermented with its native yeasts and with all the oak, for 60 days, to then proceed to aging for 24 months in used French oak barrels. Perfect for pairing menus with meat, especially red and roast.
LOS ARROTOS DEL PENDÓN 2020
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 highlight indigenous varieties and exceptional old-vine vineyards in northwestern Spain. His work is characterised by a deep understanding of terroir, respect for old vines and a winemaking philosophy in which intervention serves the expression of the grape and its origin.
Los Arrotos del Pendón comes from León and is Raúl Pérez's interpretation of Prieto Picudo from high-altitude old vines. It demonstrates the ability of this indigenous variety to produce wines with depth, structure and ageing potential while retaining freshness and a distinctive personality.
Philosophy
Raúl Pérez's philosophy is based on respect for the vineyard and traditional grape varieties. In Los Arrotos del Pendón, the choice of a single parcel of century-old vines and whole-cluster vinification seek to preserve the identity of Prieto Picudo and convey the character of the Leonese landscape.
The prolonged ageing in used French oak barrels adds complexity and texture without allowing the oak to dominate, keeping the fruit, minerality and varietal character at the forefront.
Winemaking and Vintage
The grape sourcing and winemaking of Los Arrotos del Pendón 2020 is based exclusively on Prieto Picudo from a single vineyard of approximately 2 hectares in Pajares de Otero, León. The vineyard lies at more than 900 metres above sea level and consists of vines over 100 years old.
The grapes are hand-harvested and vinified as whole bunches, without destemming. Maceration lasts approximately two months and fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. The wine then spends 24 months in used French oak barrels before bottling.
Vineyard and Grape Variety
Los Arrotos del Pendón comes from an old-vine Prieto Picudo vineyard in Pajares de Otero at high altitude. The age of the vines and the conditions of this vineyard provide grapes of great concentration and depth while retaining the freshness required to balance the wine's structure.
Prieto Picudo is one of León's most characteristic indigenous red varieties, known for producing intense, aromatic wines with good tannic structure.
Tasting Note
Deep purple in colour with a garnet rim.
The nose is complex and profound, showing cassis, blackberry and ripe black fruit alongside violet, stone fruit and smoky and meaty nuances. Mineral, earthy and chocolate notes also emerge from its evolution and ageing.
On the palate, it is broad, silky and enveloping, with a velvety texture and firm yet refined tannins. Ripe fruit is balanced by pronounced minerality and refreshing acidity. The finish is long and persistent, with notes of black fruit, dry earth, violets and subtle smoky nuances.
Pairings
Ideal with grilled or roasted red meats, lamb, suckling pig, stews, game dishes, Iberian cured meats, Iberian ham and mature sheep's cheeses. Its structure also makes it an excellent match for pulses and traditional slow-cooked dishes.
Technical Details
Producer: Raúl Pérez Bodegas y Viñedos
Wine: Los Arrotos del Pendón
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: V.T. Castilla y León
Origin: Pajares de Otero, León
Grape variety: 100% Prieto Picudo
Wine type: Red wine
Harvest: Hand-harvested
Vinification: Whole bunches, with stems
Fermentation: In stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts
Maceration: Approximately 2 months
Ageing: 24 months in used French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.5% vol.
Bottle size: 75 cl
Serving temperature: 15-17 ºC
Allergens: Contains sulphites
Ratings
Enterwine: 92 points, 2020 vintage.
Vivino: 4.0/5, based on 68 ratings for the 2020 vintage.
