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Valtuille El Rapolao 2023
8437001790340
€45.00
VAT included
Valtuille El Rapolao 2023
Valtuille El Rapolao 2023 is a single vineyard red produced by Bodega Castro Ventosa, in Valtuille de Abajo. Coming from the historic El Rapolao vineyard, located on a hillside with clay soils and cool exposure, this wine expresses the more delicate and restrained side of Mencía. It represents a refined interpretation of the terroir, with elegance, tension and authenticity, a small-production red wine that faithfully reflects the character of the vineyard and the soil.
Vinification: Hand-picked, with rigorous selection of grapes from old vines planted in clay soils. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in neutral containers, respecting the natural character of the grape. Part of the grapes are fermented with whole bunches to enhance structure and freshness. After maceration and gentle pressing, the wine is aged in used French oak barrels for several months, allowing for slow and harmonious integration without marking the aromatic profile
Tasting Notes: It presents a restrained and precise expression, with notes of soft violet, fresh cherry and a slight earthy touch, accompanied by a delicate reduction that gives it complexity. On the palate, it reveals firm, clayey tannins, an enveloping texture and an excellent balance between power and freshness, with 12.8% alcohol. It is a wine with a compact and elegant structure, combining depth and lightness, promising evolution and refinement in the bottle.
Grape Varieties: 100% Mencía
- Wine Type
- Red Wine
- Format
- 0,75L
- Vintage
- 2023
- Country
- Spain
- Region
- Bierzo
- Robert Parker
- RP96
- Vinious
- 96
11 Items
The 2023 Valtuille El Rapolao is 100% Mencía from an old parcel on a hillside of clay soils. This is a restrained red, with gentle reduction, soft violet and cherry. Clay-driven tannins grip the gums, balanced by freshness and compact structure. Both potent and delicate at 12.8% alcohol, it embodies César Márquez’s thesis that Mencía should never exceed 13% ABV.
The 2023 Valtuille El Rapolao comes from a centenary plot they own, one of their oldest vineyards, planted at a higher density, with a position and soil that favors expressive wines. It fermented with 30% full clusters with a 35-day maceration and matured in used 500-liter barrels for one year. It has contained ripeness, 12.92% alcohol and a pH of 3.42 and 6.06 grams of acidity, notable for the norm in the zone. It has bright red fruit and is quite polished, easy to drink and less earthy than other vintages. 1,800 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2025.
This wine comes from a parcel with around 10% white grapes and shows striking freshness and energy. Fermented with 30% whole bunches in large foudres and aged in used 500L barrels, it reveals aromas of pine forest, wild dried herbs, and a touch of citrus. The palate is lively, with fine yet firm tannins which are the hallmark of the Rapolao paraje. Elegant and lifted despite its concentration, it offers lovely balance, subtle grip, and a long, herbal finish. 2025-2033
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