Exploring the Fascinating World of DO Bierzo Wines
Discover the unique flavors and rich heritage of Spain’s hidden gem.
Introduction
Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to join a press trip to Spain and Portugal as part of the #aSharedPASSION❤️ program. Among the many highlights of this journey was my visit to the DO Bierzo region, which deepened my appreciation for wines crafted from Godello and Mencía. These wines, already a favorite of mine, left me even more captivated.
DO Bierzo has earned high praise from critics around the world. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate describes it as "one of Spain's most exciting wine regions, with its unique combination of old vines, diverse soils, and Atlantic influence." Similarly, Jancis Robinson compares Bierzo’s Mencía to Pinot Noir, praising its "bright acidity, floral aromas, and ability to express terroir."
Before savoring the bottles I brought back, I wanted to share my reflections, insights from the trip, and additional research—particularly focusing on the new classification system introduced for DO Bierzo in 2017.
Are you intrigued by DO Bierzo? Let’s dive into this captivating world!
Unveiling the Charm of DO Bierzo
DO Bierzo rose to international prominence thanks to the efforts of Álvaro Palacios and his nephew, Ricardo Pérez Palacios. Through their work at Descendientes de J. Palacios, founded in the 1990s, they showcased the region's immense potential, bringing attention to its unique terroir and its flagship grape, Mencía.
Nestled in the Castilla y León region of northwestern Spain, DO Bierzo is defined by its mountainous landscape, with vineyards planted at an average altitude exceeding 800 meters. The region benefits from a distinct microclimate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains. The area experiences an average annual rainfall of 721 millimeters and an average temperature of 12.3°C, ranging from winter lows of 3.6°C to summer highs of 23.6°C. Additionally, with 2,100–2,200 hours of sunshine annually, Bierzo offers nearly perfect conditions for viticulture.
Spanning 2,395 hectares, Bierzo’s vineyards are predominantly composed of small plots, many of which are worked by hand. The region boasts 1,030 winegrowers and 74 wineries, with around half affiliated with cooperatives.
One of Bierzo's most remarkable features is the age of its vineyards. According to DO Bierzo, an impressive 85% of the region's vines are over 50 years old, contributing to the depth and complexity of its wines.
The New Classification System
In June 2017, DO Bierzo started its new classification and introduced first village and site-specific wines, marking a significant milestone. The classification system is inspired by Burgundy’s appellation model, which focuses on terroir, and mirrors Rioja’s shift toward vineyard-specific designations.
The new structure categorizes wines into smaller geographical units—Village, Single-Vineyard, Classified Vineyard, and Classified Vineyard Grand Cru Equivalent (Gran Vino de Viña Clasificada).
Key Components of the DO Bierzo Classification System
DO Bierzo
Generic wines that represent the broader region.
Village Wines (Vino de Villa)
Made exclusively from grapes grown within a specific village (municipality).
Yield requirements: 20% lower than those for Generic Wines.
Single-Vineyard Wines (Vino de Paraje)
Produced entirely from grapes sourced from a single vineyard.
Yield requirements: 25% lower than those for Generic Wines.
Classified Vineyard Wine (Viña Clasificada)
Made from grapes sourced exclusively from a classified single vineyard.
Yield requirements: 30% lower than those for Generic Wines.
Must be classified as Vino de Paraje for a minimum of five years.
Undergoes sensory evaluation to ensure typicity and quality.
Grand Cru Equivalent Wine (Gran Vino de Viña Clasificada)
Crafted from grapes entirely sourced from the same classified vineyard.
Yield requirements: 35% lower than those for Generic Wines.
Must be classified as Viña Clasificada for at least five years.
Undergoes a stringent sensory evaluation to guarantee typicity and quality.
This system, inspired by Burgundy’s terroir-focused approach, emphasizes vineyard specificity and quality, providing a clear hierarchy that highlights the best expressions of Bierzo's unique terroir.
Meet the Grapes of DO Bierzo
Mencía: The region’s flagship red grape, celebrated for its vibrant acidity, medium body, and notes of red berries and herbs.
Godello: The leading white variety, offering crisp acidity, floral aromas, and flavors of green apple and stone fruits.
Other Varieties: Garnacha Tintorera, Estaladiña, Merenzao, Doña Blanca, Palomino, and Malvasía.
Let’s Dive Into the Remarkable Wines of Bierzo
On a recent press trip, I had the chance to explore the breathtaking beauty of Bierzo. Our itinerary was a mix of cultural and wine-related highlights, including a visit to the DO Bierzo offices, a scenic walk along the historic Camino de Santiago, and visits to some of the region’s noteworthy wineries. Here’s a closer look at the exceptional wines we discovered.
Bodegas Estefanía (Village: Ponferrada)
Founded in 1999, Bodegas Estefanía has earned its reputation as one of the most respected private wineries in Bierzo. With century-old vines at its core, producing wines that are true expressions of the region.
From the beginning, the renowned winemaker Raúl Pérez has led the way, creating distinctive, parcel-focused wines under the Tilenus label. The standout vineyard, Tilenus Pieros, was planted in 1902 and sits on a southwest-facing hillside at an altitude of 650 meters. Thanks to constant winds, the vineyard naturally minimizes moisture buildup, ensuring healthy vines with minimal intervention.
Notable Wines
Tilenus La Florida 2019 (100% Mencía)
A beautifully crafted red wine with layers of red fruit, subtle herbal notes, and a silky texture. The old vines lend the wine depth and complexity, making it a quintessential expression of Bierzo's terroir.Tilenus Entrecuestas 2022 (100% Godello)
A bright, mineral-driven white wine with vibrant acidity and refined elegance. This wine perfectly showcases the unique character of Godello from the Tilenus vineyard.
Raúl Pérez Bodegas y Viñedos
Raúl Pérez, one of Spain's most innovative winemakers, is celebrated for his ability to craft wines that highlight the distinct terroirs of Bierzo and Galicia. His wines are both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in tradition.
Notable Wines
El Rapolao 2022 (100% Mencía)
From a 1.5-hectare vineyard planted in 1920 on iron-rich clay soils, this wine offers dark berry aromas, wild herbs, floral nuances, and earthy minerality. It’s balanced with refined tannins and a fresh finish.La del Vivo 2021 (100% Godello)
A complex and elegant white wine with a Burgundy-like profile. Citrus and orchard fruit aromas are layered with floral and nutty notes, thanks to partial barrel fermentation. The creamy texture and long, mineral-driven finish make it a standout.
Viñedos y Bodegas Pittacum (Village: Arganza)
Pittacum is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Established in 1999 and part of the Terras Gauda Group since 2002, the winery crafts wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Notable Wines
Pittacum Aurea 2019 (100% Mencía)
Made from century-old vines at Finca Areixola, this wine boasts rich notes of cherry, currant, spiciness, and earthy undertones, underpinned by vibrant minerality.La Maragata 2019 (100% Godello)
Sourced from a high-altitude vineyard at 720 meters, this wine offers ripe peach, dried apricot, and pineapple flavors, with a touch of oak subtly integrated. Its silky texture is balanced by refreshing acidity and a creamy mid-palate.
Veronica Ortega
Veronica Ortega is a rising star in Spanish winemaking, renowned for her terroir-driven wines that highlight the elegance and complexity of Bierzo’s ancient vineyards. A native of Cadiz, she gained experience at some of the world’s most prestigious estates, including Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, before returning to Spain to make her mark in Bierzo.
Notable Wine
Cobrana 2021 (Mencía and others: Godello, Doña Blanca, Palomino, Alicante Bouschet, Estaladiña)
Made from vines over 90 years old, this wine comes from a high-altitude vineyard at 750 meters in the Upper Bierzo. With blue slate and red clay soils, it delivers a crisp, fresh profile with transparent, terroir-driven character. Aged for 12 months in oak vats and amphora, it’s pure and expressive, which is like Burgundy wine!
Conclusion
Bierzo is a region that blends tradition, innovation, and terroir to produce truly remarkable wines. From the vibrant reds of Mencía to the mineral-driven whites of Godello, each wine tells the story of this unique landscape and its passionate winemakers.
I'm currently immersing myself in learning the unique characteristics of each village and vineyard. It’s thrilling to imagine that, someday, just like in Burgundy, wine enthusiasts will be able to identify and discuss a village’s distinct traits simply by its name.
Curious to try some of these exceptional bottles? I’ll be opening a few soon, so more detail tasting note will come soon.
ChatGPTで日本語に要約しました。かなり省略されているので、全文を確認したい方は、英語本文と翻訳ツール等をご活用ください。
プレスツアーでのスペインとポルトガル訪問
先月、#aSharedPASSION❤️プログラムに参加し、スペインとポルトガルを訪問しました。その中でDOビエルソ地域を訪れ、特にゴデーリョやメンシアの魅力を再確認しました。これらのワインは以前から好きでしたが、さらにその魅力に引き込まれました。
DOビエルソの魅力
DOビエルソは、世界的な批評家から高い評価を受けています。
ロバート・パーカーのWine Advocate：「古い樹齢、多様な土壌、大西洋の影響による気候が融合した、スペインで最もエキサイティングなワイン産地」
ジャンシス・ロビンソン：メンシアをピノ・ノワールに例え、「明るい酸味、花の香り、テロワールの表現力」を高く評価。
DOビエルソはカスティーリャ・イ・レオン地方の山間部に位置し、平均800m以上の標高で栽培が行われています。大西洋と周辺の山々の影響を受けた独特の微気候があり、年間721mmの降雨量、平均気温12.3°C、日照時間は年間2,100〜2,200時間。さらに、栽培面積2,395ヘクタールの85%以上が樹齢50年以上という貴重な条件です。
新しい分類システム（2017年導入）
DOビエルソでは、2017年にブルゴーニュやリオハの影響を受けた新しい分類システムを導入しました。これにより、テロワールを重視したワインの格付けが可能になりました。
DOビエルソ：広域を表すワイン。
村名ワイン（Vino de Villa）：特定の村で収穫されたブドウのみ使用。収穫量基準はDOワインの20%減。
単一畑ワイン（Vino de Paraje）：単一の畑から収穫。収穫量基準はDOワインの25%減。
特級畑ワイン（Viña Clasificada）：格付けされた畑から5年以上収穫されたブドウを使用。収穫量基準はDOワインの30%減。
特級グラン・ヴィーノ（Gran Vino de Viña Clasificada）：特級畑ワインでさらに厳しい基準をクリア。収穫量基準はDOワインの35%減。
主なブドウ品種
メンシア：赤系果実、ハーブ、明るい酸味が特徴的な赤ブドウ。
ゴデーリョ：青リンゴや花の香り、ミネラル感を持つ白ブドウ。
その他：ガルナチャ・ティントレラ、エスタラディーニャ、メリェンソなど。
注目のワイナリーとワイン
ボデガス・エステファニア（ポンフェラーダ）
Tilenus La Florida 2019（100%メンシア）：赤果実とシルキーなテクスチャー。
Tilenus Entrecuestas 2022（100%ゴデーリョ）：明るくミネラル感あふれる白ワイン。
ラウル・ペレス
El Rapolao 2022（100%メンシア）：野生のハーブ、土っぽいミネラル。
La del Vivo 2021（100%ゴデーリョ）：ブルゴーニュスタイルの複雑な白ワイン。
ビニェドス・イ・ボデガス・ピタクム（アルガンサ）
Pittacum Aurea 2019（100%メンシア）：チェリーやスパイスが特徴的な赤ワイン。
La Maragata 2019（100%ゴデーリョ）：熟した果実感と爽やかな酸味。
ベロニカ・オルテガ
Cobrana 2021（メンシアなど）：90年以上の古樹から作られるテロワール重視のワイン。
結論
DOビエルソは、伝統と革新、そしてテロワールを融合させた魅力的なワイン産地です。これからさらに学びながら、その特性を掘り下げていく予定です。興味を持った方は、ぜひこれらのワインを試してみてください！
日本ワイン、日本酒について（オランダから）欧州向けのプロモーションお手伝いをしていきたいと思っています。何かありましたら下記までご連絡ください。
My corner wine shop has a Bierzo Mencia for $15 that is just about the best $15 red wine I've ever had. I regularly head over there and nab one on a whim. I may buy out their stock all by myself at this rate! I do need to try some Godello, though. I don't think I've spotted any before.
Excellent post. I haven't tried that many examples of Mencia, but I'm a big fan of Godello (particularly the barrel-fermented or aged variety, which display a lot of complexity).