ALS0422RW
La Perra Gorda
2022
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.
Wine details
ALS0422RW
Altos de San Esteban
La Perra Gorda
2022
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.
