| Type | Red wine |
|---|---|
| Region | |
| Grapes | |
| Producer | |
| Allergens | Contains sulfites |
| Alcohol contenti | 13.5% |
| Production | 110,000 bottles |
Recommended
Ultreia Saint Jacques
2022The best introduction to Bierzo
93
PARKER
Also available in the following packs
Spec sheet
The wine
Ultreia Saint Jacques 2022: The soul of Bierzo by Raúl Pérez
Ultreia Saint Jacques 2022 is not just a wine; it is the gateway to the universe of winemaker Raúl Pérez, one of the most influential winemakers in the world. Produced under the Bierzo D.O., this Mencía red stands out for its unbeatable value for money, establishing itself year after year as a cult favourite for critics and enthusiasts alike.
The 2022 vintage in Bierzo is characterised by its balance. Coming from old vineyards in Valtuille de Abajo, Ultreia Saint Jacques 2022 reflects the perfect ripeness of the Mencía grape, maintaining that Atlantic freshness so sought after in minimally interventionist wines.
What does this wine taste like?
Bottled unclarified and unfiltered, Ultreia Saint Jacques delights with a clear floral sensation from the outset. Notes of violets and fresh mineral aromas surprise the nose, while a clear hint of chalk and a perfectly integrated refreshing acidity give the palate a seductive sensation. Spices, orange peel, and wild strawberry tarts abound in a complete, round, and delicious treat for the palate. With a little time in the glass, aromas rarely enjoyed in this price range appear: coffee, sarsaparilla, rose petals and ripe red currants. The palate is adorned with well-polished tannins and the wonderful freshness typical of wines from northern Spain.
| Light | Bold | |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth | Tannic | |
| Dry | Sweet | |
| Soft | Acidic |
View | Intense |
|---|---|
Bouquet | Raspberry / Violets |
Mouth | Red fruit / Mineral / Voluminous / Medium-bodied |
Drinking and storing
This is a lovely wine which can be drunk as soon as released, with no need for decanting. Open it a short while beforehand or simply let it aerate in the glass itself so that it can express all its aromatic exuberance. It’s a very well-crafted wine, from the grapes of savvy old vines, a quality product, which can also be laid down for between 5-7 years.
Serve between 14ºC and 16ºC
Food pairing
Tasting notes and pairing
- Profile: Ultreia Saint Jacques 2022 is a smooth, light and very juicy wine. The nose is dominated by wild red fruits (raspberry, redcurrant) with notes of fennel and violets.
- Scores: Usually rated around 93-94 Parker points, it is a safe bet for any personal wine cellar.
- Serving: Enjoy at a temperature of 14-16ºC. It pairs perfectly with León-style cured meats, white meats, seasonal mushrooms or game rice dishes.
Veal carpaccio / Oven-cooked pork / Cured sausages
Ratings and awards
| 2023 | 93+ PK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93 PK | ||
| 2021 | 93 PK | ||
| 2020 | 93-94 PK | ||
| 2019 | 94 PK | 92 PN | |
| 2018 | 93+ PK | 16 JR | 91 PN |
PK: ParkerJR: Jancis
robinsonPN: Peñín
Wine critics reviewsReviews by Jancis Robinson and Parker
Customer reviews
Winemaking
Following Raúl Pérez's Burgundian philosophy, this wine stands out from commercial reds:
- Fermentation with stems: 100% of the whole bunch is used in open wooden vats, providing a noble vegetal structure and natural freshness.
- Ageing: It is aged for 9 to 10 months in used French oak barrels (from various wines), preventing the wood from masking the fruit.
- Unfiltered and unclarified: To maintain all the expression of the terroir and its clay-limestone minerality.
| Vinification material | Wood / Cement |
|---|---|
| Ageing period | Between 10 and 12 months |
| Barrel age | Used |
| Type of wood | French oak |
| Clarification and filtration | Bottled unfined and unfiltered |
Vineyards
Villegas
Villegas is one of the vineyards most highly regarded by Raúl Pérez. The vineyard is over 130 years old, covering an area of 2 ha, located at an altitude of 600 m, facing east and south, in the vicinity of Valtuille de Abajo, where the actual winery is situated. The soils here are sandy, whereas the most common types found locally are of clay. The vines are predominantly of the Mencía variety, with some Garnacha Tintorera and Bastardo too.
| Vine age | Between 30 and 130 years |
|---|---|
| Soil | Sand |
| Climate | Continental with Atlantic influence |
| Orientation | East and south |
| Surface area | 2.00 hectares |
The winery
Raúl Pérez Viticultor
Raúl Pérez is a winegrower and one of the best winemakers in the world. He is a leading figure in El Bierzo and is also considered the father of the new Ribeira Sacra. A restless and prolific man, he can often be found participating in collective projects or with friends, and advising other wineries and producers.
