We are delighted to introduce the Justerini & Brooks Master’s Series: a weekly spotlight on an affordable, everyday drinking wine from one of the world’s greatest winemakers. The famous adage that the best producers can trump region, appellation and vintage is often true, and our Master’s Series will prove that enjoying wines from legendary producers is a pleasure that is open to all.
Our first in the series comes courtesy of Raúl Pérez. He has often-times been cited as the world’s greatest winemaker, an honour doled out to him in 2015 by the influential French publication Bettane et Desseauve, and receiving a litany of similar accolades from leading British, German and American publications.
Read MoreOne might be forgiven for thinking that such an esteemed producer would command exclusively high prices. This is certainly not the case. Raul Perez’s calling card, Ultreia Saint Jacques, is the perfect example of a mineral-soaked, juicy red wine that combines complexity, elegance and affordability. A blend of old vineyards from across the Bierzo region, Raul’s magic touch balances a complex array of soil types, topographies and expositions with no make-up or gimmicks; just honest, traditional, hands-off winemaking and an intuitive touch. Some truly magical parcels of vines make their way into Raul’s entry-level Bierzo and it is every bit a stunning wine in its own right. Comfortably one of the best value quality wines in Spain, in a short space of time it has become a firm Justerini & Brooks favourite. At just £13.18 per bottle including delivery anywhere in mainland UK it is surely a wine to stock up on.
“It’s not because of their concentration that Pérez’s wines stand out; rather, they conquer your palate in an unassuming way, gradually displaying unequalled elegance and discreet persistence. The winemaker knows that this complexity comes from harmony rather than from abundance. However, there is not a ‘Raúl Pérez style’. The only traits common to all his wines are an understated delicacy and subtle balance, together with a feeling of identity.” – Pedro Ballasteros MW, Decanter