Castro Ventosa is the Pérez family’s historic winery in Valtuille de Abajo, with the family’s connection to viticulture in Bierzo dating back to 1752. The estate is closely associated with renowned winemaker Raúl Pérez, whose work has helped establish Bierzo and Mencía on the international stage. El Castro de Valtuille brings together fruit from around 350 small parcels across 17 different sites, with vines averaging more than 85 years old. The vineyards sit on a mixture of clay, sand, stone and soils rich in organic matter, giving the wine an unusually detailed sense of place for a joven red.
Made from 100% Mencía, the 2025 is fermented with indigenous yeasts in large stainless-steel tanks before spending just three months in 5,000-litre wooden foudres. The result is fresh and remarkably expressive, with wild strawberry, raspberry and blackberry alongside violet, liquorice, balsamic herbs and a subtle mineral note. The palate is supple and silky, with vibrant acidity and gentle tannins giving the wine an easy, flowing character. Serve lightly cool with roast lamb, botillo, grilled pork, charcuterie, mushroom dishes or hearty mountain-style stews. Best enjoyed young for its bright fruit and freshness, although the old vines give it more depth than its joven designation suggests.