Welcome to the world of Bierzo wines, where the old and new come together in perfect harmony to create some of the most exceptional wines in Spain. Nestled in the heart of Castilla y Leon, the Bierzo viticultural area boasts an enviable reputation for producing some of the finest white wines from the Godello grape and red wines from the Mencia variety.
In the heart of the Bierzo region lies a producer who has captured the attention of wine connoisseurs and experts alike. César Márquez, a third-generation winemaker, has emerged as a revelation in the industry, offering a unique and differentiated profile that sets him apart from the rest.
Growing up amongst the vineyards of his family's estate, César has been immersed in the world of winemaking from a young age. His uncle, the great Spanish enólogo Raul Pérez, has been a guiding force in César's journey to become a producer in his own right.
Now, César seeks to showcase his talents and leave his own signature on the Bierzo region and the world. With a focus on two distinct varieties, Godello and Mencia, César's wines are a true reflection of the terroir and the traditions of the region.
In the white wines, César's Godello is a standout variety, showcasing the unique characteristics of the Bierzo terroir. With its crisp acidity and mineral notes, this wine is a true expression of the land and the people who tend to it.
In the reds, Mencia reigns supreme, and César's interpretation of this queen of the region is nothing short of exceptional. With a depth of flavor that speaks to the centuries-old vines that produce it, César's Mencia is a testament to his skill and his commitment to creating wines that are as memorable as they are delicious.
For those who appreciate the art and science of winemaking, César Márquez is a name to watch. With a heritage that spans three generations and a determination to leave his own mark on the world of wine, César is a producer who is sure to captivate the hearts and palates of even the most discerning of wine enthusiasts.
At the forefront of this exciting wine region is a young Spanish producer, Cesar, whose prodigious talent has enabled him to blend old knowledge with new approaches and techniques to produce wines of unparalleled quality and diversity. Cesar's unique interpretation of the Bierzo wine region is centered on concentration and low production per hectare, favoring quality over quantity.
Bierzo has a fascinating history dating back to Roman times, with relics of their presence scattered throughout the region. The Sil River was a vital waterway back then and remains so today, along with other minor streams that meander through the area. The locals have a saying, "el Miño lleva la fama y el Sil le da el agua" ("the Miño carries the fame, but the Sil gives it its water"), which aptly reflects the importance of the Sil River to the region.
Bierzo was accorded DO status in 1989, and in recent years, it has experienced a surge in popularity, thanks in part to the high-profile winemaker Alvaro Palacios of Priorat fame establishing vineyards there. The Bierzo viticultural area consists of two parts: Bierzo Alto (high Bierzo), a mineral-rich and mountainous terrain where terraced vineyards are sewn into the slopes, and Bierzo Bajo (low Bierzo), a wide and verdant plain.
Bierzo's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has a significant impact on its overall climate, with average temperatures during the growing season much cooler than in Castilla y Leon's more inland areas, resulting in a milder climate. However, the Cordillera Cantábrica mountain range in the north provides the vineyards with adequate shelter, ensuring that the Mencia grapes achieve optimum ripeness.
Bierzo's soil is different from that found in other parts of Castilla y Leon, with a predominance of slate and granite. This favors the Mencia vines and helps them to produce wines with a distinct mineral character. The wines tend to be lighter in terms of alcohol and more refreshing than those from other parts of Castilla y León.
Cesar has taken the Bierzo wine region to new heights with his innovative and sophisticated approach. He has a responsibility to be another ambassador of the region around the world, showcasing the unique quality and diversity of the white wines from the Godello grape and red wines from the Mencia variety. So why not discover the exceptional wines of Bierzo for yourself and experience the magic of this captivating wine region.
Attention all wine aficionados! Are you looking for a young and prodigious Spanish wine producer who seamlessly blends old knowledge with innovative techniques? Look no further than César Márquez, from the small town of Valtuille in the Bierzo region of Spain.
Márquez has garnered attention for his exceptional wines made from the indigenous grapes of Godello and Mencia. His skillful approach to winemaking allows him to coax out the unique qualities of each grape variety, resulting in an impressive range of both red and white wines.
Mencia, a red grape variety, presents a challenge for winemakers due to its low levels of dye matter and a short harvest window. However, Márquez has cracked the code, working tirelessly in the vineyards to produce expressive, fruit-forward red wines that are both elegant and full-bodied. Each bottle is a testament to the exceptional quality of the grapes, as well as Márquez's deft touch in the cellar.
Meanwhile, Godello, a white grape variety, is transformed into wines that are both gastronomic and delicious. Márquez's wines exhibit a consistent backbone of acidity, which is perfectly balanced by a rich and creamy texture resulting from the unique characteristics of the grape variety and terroir. Márquez's attention to detail extends to the use of high-quality barrels, which further enhance the wine's complexity and depth.
In summary, César Márquez is a master of his craft, able to produce exceptional wines that showcase the unique qualities of the Bierzo region. Whether you're a red wine aficionado or prefer white wines with backbone, Márquez's wines are not to be missed. Cheers to innovation, tradition, and exceptional wine!
Winemaker/Producer: César Marquez
Text: Miguel Viana Vinhos