The 2023 Parajes is his regional red, a blend of different places, soils, expositions and altitudes between 450 and 780 metres. It’s a real representation of Bierzo, with grapes from 45 different plots across nine villages. The vines range from 80 to 142 years old and are planted as field blends, approximately 85 percent Mencía, 10 percent Alicante Bouschet and 5 percent other varieties. Fermented by parcel with some whole clusters and aged for one year in a mix of 225L, 400L and 500L oak.

Moderate in ripeness with 13.08 percent alcohol, showing more freshness than 2022. Serious and balanced, elegant and fine boned, getting very close to the village reds this year. A bargain. 34,000 bottles produced. 94 Pts, Luis Gutiérrez -The Wine Advocate

César Márquez comes from one of Bierzo’s most historic families, the Castro Ventosa lineage, and is the nephew of Raúl Pérez. After starting in his uncle’s cellar, he has quickly built a name of his own.

Parajes is his regional expression, sourced from over 40 parcels across Bierzo. That breadth gives the wine a level of complexity and completeness rarely seen at this price.

The 2023 is silky and refined, Mencía at its most precise. Dark cherry, violet and a subtle graphite edge on the nose, with a supple, fine grained palate and a long savoury finish.

A benchmark introduction to modern Bierzo and a wine that comfortably overdelivers.