Ultreia, Saint Jacques, Bierzo, 2018

“Saint Jacques is by far the most important wine I make.” Old-vine material from all over Bierzo. Mostly clay and sand-based sites, roughly 85% clay and 15% sand, fermented in traditional oak vats (ex-Vega Sicilia) with 80% whole bunches and kept on the skins for 2 months before pressing into neutral barrel for a further 10 months of aging. Mencia based but picked according to the natural field composition, therefore including smaller proportions of Alicante Bouschet, Trousseau, Palomino, and other wild grapes. “Production in 2018 was moderate as the vines were still recovering from the frost of 2017 but I have included in the blend this year a new 100 year old vineyard planted on iron-rich soils which has brought another level of complexity.” 2018 is the best vintage ever for this wine, offering up lashings of brambly forest fruit, ripe strawberries, and dark cherry stones, with a fine black pepper edge. Effortlessly drinkable but with stacks of character. One of Spain’s most exciting entry-level wines. Named after the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage (aka Chemin de Saint Jacques) which passes through the Bierzo region. 13.5% ABV.