El Erial, Valdecanada, Bierzo,

The village cuvee of Valdecañada has a suave, tense character and perceptible stoniness to the mid-palate. A field blend of predominantly Mencia with around 10-15% Palomino, there is a fluidity and finesse to this wine that is hugely attractive. Not a lavish wine, more about detail and intellectual focus. It marries the savoury-salinity of its high, schist origins with a quality of smooth, pixelated berried fruit that makes this a supremely smart offering and quite unlike the wines in the Ultreia or La Vizcaina projects. Fermented with 100% whole bunches, infused with extended skin contact, and raised in neutral barrique. 1200 bottles were produced.