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ALS0420RW
La Perra Gorda
2020
Bierzo
Organic Farming
Wild yeasts
Low Sulphur

Regular price £18.45

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In the very North West corner of Spain, close to the border of Galicia and Asturias, is the young DO of Bierzo (est. 1989). Its wines grew quickly in popularity as celebrated Priorat winemaker Alvaro Palacios started operating there. Being North and in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the mainstay grape Mencia enjoys a cooler climate than the Garnacha of further south. Vineyards tend to be planted in bush-vines on soils with a high proponent of slate, granite and red clay where, sheltered from the ocean by the Cantabrian mountains, the wines demonstrate greatness freshness and acidity. Often, they are fruity and even fragrant with mineral characteristics and lighter alcohol. White wine in also produced, where Godello, Palomino and Dona Blanca show the best examples.

Located in the Bierzo Alto in the municipality of Torre de Bierzo (only recently permitted into the Bierzo DO), Altos de San Esteban is a relatively new project. An idea born out of four friends, one of whom inherited just 3ha of vines from his father. The higher vineyards and red clay heavy soil profiles of Bierzo Alto, whilst different from the more traditional Mencia vineyards, allows for much later grape maturation and retention of acidity and freshness. The 2019 harvest saw Fermin Uria join as winemaker, having worked for four years at the emblematic Bierzo winery, Dominio de Tares as well as a long stint in Ribera del Duero. Viticulture in the winery is all organic, with spontaneous fermentations, low and minimal intervention in the winery.

Tasting note: Cooked; dark black cherry and blackcurrant. Meaty and savoury with textbook Mencia notes of dried leaves and earth combined with sweeter notes of rose and bitter chocolate. The palate is fresh; lifted and pointed with elegant acidity. Red fruits finish with violets. Good young; firm tannins.
Winemaking Detail: Organic farming without certification. Hand harvested in late September from the central part of the "La Mendañona" vineyard. Pre fermentative cold maceration for 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation with three weeks on the skins days, gentle daily pumping over and manual punchdowns at a temperature of less than 25ºC. Malolactic fermentation in 500 & 225 litres French oak barrels, followed by aging on the fine lees for 6 months. Light clarification with a very light filtration. Little sulphur added at bottling.
Features Cherry Blackcurrant Leaves Savoury Structured

Features Blackcurrant, Cherry, Fresh, Leaves, Savoury, Structured,
Tasting note Cooked, dark black cherry and blackcurrant. Meaty and savoury with textbook Mencia notes of dried leaves and earth combined with sweeter notes of rose and bitter chocolate. The palate is fresh, lifted and pointed with elegant acidity. Red fruits finish with violets. Good young, firm tannins.
Drink with
Iberico pork, Roast Duck, Roast pork,

Wine details

Country Spain
Region Bierzo
Producer Altos de San Esteban
Wine Name La Perra Gorda
Colour Red
Style Juicy & Ripe
Vintage 2020
Main Grape Mencia
Other Grapes
Size 6 x 75cl
Closure Cork
A.B.V. 0.135
Production 5000
Aging 5 months on the lees in 3-4 use 500 & 225 ltr French oak
Soil Ferric Clay Soils
Time to drink Now - 2024
Winemaking Detail Organic farming without certification. Hand harvested in late September from the central part of the "La Mendañona" vineyard. Pre fermentative cold maceration for 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation with three weeks on the skins days, gentle daily pumping over and manual punchdowns at a temperature of less than 25ºC. Malolactic fermentation in 500 &, 225 litres French oak barrels, followed by aging on the fine lees for 6 months. Light clarification with a very light filtration. Little sulphur added at bottling.

ALS0420RW
Altos de San Esteban
La Perra Gorda
2020
Bierzo
Organic Farming
Wild yeasts
Low Sulphur

In the very North West corner of Spain, close to the border of Galicia and Asturias, is the young DO of Bierzo (est. 1989). Its wines grew quickly in popularity as celebrated Priorat winemaker Alvaro Palacios started operating there. Being North and in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the mainstay grape Mencia enjoys a cooler climate than the Garnacha of further south. Vineyards tend to be planted in bush-vines on soils with a high proponent of slate, granite and red clay where, sheltered from the ocean by the Cantabrian mountains, the wines demonstrate greatness freshness and acidity. Often, they are fruity and even fragrant with mineral characteristics and lighter alcohol. White wine in also produced, where Godello, Palomino and Dona Blanca show the best examples.

Located in the Bierzo Alto in the municipality of Torre de Bierzo (only recently permitted into the Bierzo DO), Altos de San Esteban is a relatively new project. An idea born out of four friends, one of whom inherited just 3ha of vines from his father. The higher vineyards and red clay heavy soil profiles of Bierzo Alto, whilst different from the more traditional Mencia vineyards, allows for much later grape maturation and retention of acidity and freshness. The 2019 harvest saw Fermin Uria join as winemaker, having worked for four years at the emblematic Bierzo winery, Dominio de Tares as well as a long stint in Ribera del Duero. Viticulture in the winery is all organic, with spontaneous fermentations, low and minimal intervention in the winery.

Tasting note: Cooked; dark black cherry and blackcurrant. Meaty and savoury with textbook Mencia notes of dried leaves and earth combined with sweeter notes of rose and bitter chocolate. The palate is fresh; lifted and pointed with elegant acidity. Red fruits finish with violets. Good young; firm tannins.
Winemaking Detail: Organic farming without certification. Hand harvested in late September from the central part of the "La Mendañona" vineyard. Pre fermentative cold maceration for 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation with three weeks on the skins days, gentle daily pumping over and manual punchdowns at a temperature of less than 25ºC. Malolactic fermentation in 500 & 225 litres French oak barrels, followed by aging on the fine lees for 6 months. Light clarification with a very light filtration. Little sulphur added at bottling.
Features Cherry Blackcurrant Leaves Savoury Structured

Features Blackcurrant, Cherry, Fresh, Leaves, Savoury, Structured,
Tasting note Cooked, dark black cherry and blackcurrant. Meaty and savoury with textbook Mencia notes of dried leaves and earth combined with sweeter notes of rose and bitter chocolate. The palate is fresh, lifted and pointed with elegant acidity. Red fruits finish with violets. Good young, firm tannins.
Drink with
Iberico pork, Roast Duck, Roast pork,

Wine details

Country Spain
Region Bierzo
Producer Altos de San Esteban
Wine Name La Perra Gorda
Style Juicy & Ripe
Vintage 2020
Main Grape Mencia
Other Grapes
Size 6 x 75cl
Closure Cork
A.B.V. 0.135
Production 5000
Aging 5 months on the lees in 3-4 use 500 & 225 ltr French oak
Soil Ferric Clay Soils
Time to drink Now - 2024
Winemaking Detail Organic farming without certification. Hand harvested in late September from the central part of the "La Mendañona" vineyard. Pre fermentative cold maceration for 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation with three weeks on the skins days, gentle daily pumping over and manual punchdowns at a temperature of less than 25ºC. Malolactic fermentation in 500 &, 225 litres French oak barrels, followed by aging on the fine lees for 6 months. Light clarification with a very light filtration. Little sulphur added at bottling.