Bierzo

Overview

Bierzo is a small region in the north-western corner of Castilla y Leon – located right on the Camino del Santiago – and bordering Galicia to the west and Asturias to the north. It received Denominacion de Origin (DO) status for the wines in 1989 and following the Priorat cult winemaker, Alvaro Palacios, arriving in 1997 and setting up a vineyard, the Bierzo region has seen a huge surge in popularity and is very much to this day one of the rising stars of the country.

Due to the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean with its cooling effect, the average temperatures here are several degrees colder than Castilla y Leon’s more inland areas. As a result, the wines tend to be lighter in alcohol and body than those from other parts of Castilla y Leon. Bierzo produces both red and white wines of great quality.

Key Grape Varieties

Mencia is the main grape for the reds, covering nearly two-thirds of the vineyards, and the wines produced have delicious purity of fruit, with fine structure, balance, and vibrant, juicy acidity.

White wines are primarily made from Dona Blanca and Godello, and tend to be mineral, stone fruit scented, and medium bodied with crisp acidity.

Food Pairing

Red Mencia from Bierzo is a very versatile food wine. It goes well with rich strongly flavoured food like sausages and hearty stews; with slightly acidic foods such as tomatoes and salads; and is also a great companion for spaghetti, pizza, and chicken dishes.

The white wines made the Dona Blanca and Godello grapes accompany a variety of seafoods well, especially the meatier types such as crab, lobster, halibut, and monkfish, but is also a delicious aperitif when served with for example green olives and marcona almonds.

Key Producers

We offer some of the great Bierzo from the following producers: Just click on any of the links below to find them:

• Bodegas Castro Ventosa
• Descendientes de J. Palacios
• Raul Perez