At a glance

Producer

Raúl Pérez

Region

Castilla y León, Spain

Grape variety

Mencía

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-40 USD

Tasting profile

Bursting with wild red berries, violets, herbal notes (thyme, dry grass), crushed rocks, light spice; medium body, fresh acidity.

Evolution: Tertiary flavors (forest floor, sandalwood, cured meat) will develop over next 2-5 years; fruit will become more layered.

At peak: Harmonious balance of fruit, savory, and mineral notes; silky tannins, lingering finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, energetic

Tannins

Medium, lightly grippy, refined

Alcohol

12.5-13.5% ABV

Aging potential

Moderate (6-8 years for maximum complexity and integration)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2028

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Entering a fresh, youthful phase with good vibrancy; will benefit from short-term aging.

Current condition

Bright, energetic, with vibrant fruit and subtle structure; approachable now, but youthful.

Mencía from Raúl Pérez is known for precision and purity. Youthful for the first 2-3 years, it gathers complexity and charm between ages 3-7, with prime balance achieved at peak (2025-2028).

Food pairing

Roasted poultry, duck, grilled lamb, wild mushroom dishes, semi-hard cheeses, charcuterie.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Opens up primary fruit, softens tannins, reveals floral and mineral complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Sustainably farmed vineyards, minimal intervention, hand-harvested; native yeasts in fermentation; low energy use in cellar, gravity-flow processes; lightweight glass bottles.

Raúl Pérez is deeply committed to sustainable viticulture, eschewing chemical fertilizers and herbicides, practicing cover-cropping, and employing biodiversity measures in his vineyards. While not formally certified, the practices mirror organic standards. Energy usage in the winemaking process is low due to traditional gravity-flow methods and reliance on manual labor. Packaging is thoughtful with lighter bottles to reduce transport emissions. The main environmental impact comes from international shipping if consumed outside Spain. Overall, this wine represents an exemplary case of modern sustainable winemaking, albeit lacking third-party certification.