D.O. Bierzo, Spain - 94+ PARKER. 95 PEÑÍN. Mostly Godello and some Doña Blanca. The wine was fermented with native yeasts and without temperature control and aged in two oak foudres, and a small part in amphorae with skins. It is varietal and expressive and comes from two plots, one with sandy soils and another in Cacabelos with some pebbles. Limited production of 8,000 bottles. Recommended by The Sommelier..
RAÚL PÉREZ LA DEL VIVO 2024: THE MINERAL CHARACTER OF BIERZO
La del Vivo 2024 is a white wine from La Vizcaína de Vinos, the project developed in Bierzo by Raúl Pérez alongside his nephew César Márquez. Sourced from vineyards in Valtuille de Abajo, it offers a distinctive interpretation of the region's traditional white grape varieties. Its winemaking combines skin contact, wooden vessels and clay amphorae to create a white wine with texture, depth and pronounced mineral expression.
PHILOSOPHY
Raúl Pérez's work is characterised by a search for vineyard identity and minimal intervention in the cellar. At La Vizcaína de Vinos, this philosophy translates into wines that reflect the particular characteristics of their individual sites and grape varieties, prioritising a sense of origin over a standardised style.
La del Vivo stands out for its unconventional approach to white winemaking, combining the texture and complexity created by skin contact with the freshness and acidity of Bierzo's traditional varieties.
WINEMAKING AND VINTAGE
The winemaking and grape origin of La del Vivo 2024 are closely linked to Valtuille de Abajo, in the heart of the Bierzo appellation. The wine is made from Godello and Doña Blanca, traditional local varieties that contribute aromatic complexity, structure and freshness.
Vinification involves whole bunches and spontaneous fermentation without strict temperature control. Part of the wine ferments and ages in clay amphorae, while the remainder is aged in French oak vessels of different capacities. The ageing period lasts approximately 12 months. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its texture and individual character.
VINEYARDS AND GRAPE VARIETIES
The grapes come from vineyards in Valtuille de Abajo, a village closely connected to Raúl Pérez's winemaking career. The clay soils and local climatic conditions favour grape ripening while helping preserve the acidity that gives the wine its tension.
The blend of Godello and Doña Blanca combines the structure and expressive character of the former with the traditional nuances of the latter. The result is a white wine that moves beyond straightforward fruit-driven styles, offering greater depth, texture and complexity.
TASTING NOTES
Bright yellow-green in colour. The nose reveals aromas of white and stone fruit, including yellow plum and medlar, complemented by floral, herbal and mineral nuances.
The palate opens gently before developing lively acidity and an enveloping texture. Saline and mineral notes support a broad structure, with an energetic character and a long, persistent finish. The combination of fruit, ageing and skin-contact winemaking gives this wine a distinctive personality, particularly appealing to those seeking white wines with depth and ageing potential.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent match for baked or sauced fish, seafood, grilled octopus, cockles and razor clams. It also pairs well with white meats, poultry, seafood rice dishes, grilled vegetables and semi-aged cheeses. Its texture and mineral character allow it to accompany more substantial dishes while maintaining balance.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Producer: Raúl Pérez
Project: La Vizcaína de Vinos
Wine: La del Vivo
Vintage: 2024
Type: Aged white wine
Appellation: Bierzo
Origin: Valtuille de Abajo, León, Spain
Grape varieties: Godello and Doña Blanca
Soil: Clay
Harvest: Hand-picked
Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation, with whole bunches and skin contact
Ageing: Approximately 12 months in French oak vessels and clay amphorae
Fining and filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
Alcohol: 13.5% vol.
Bottle size: 75 cl
Serving temperature: 10–12 °C
