Raúl Pérez is one of Spain’s most influential modern winemakers, widely credited with redefining quality and style in regions like Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra and beyond. Based in north-west Spain, he works as both a producer and consultant, but is best known for his own project in Bierzo, where he focuses on old-vine, often small and fragmented parcels.
A distinctive, small-production white from Raúl Pérez’s La Vizcaína de Vinos project in Bierzo, north-west Spain (Castilla y León). The Godello and Doña Blanca for ‘La del Vivo’ come from two vineyard plots located in Valtuille de Abajo and Cacabelos on a mix of slate, clay and limestone soils. Influence from the Atlantic gives the wine freshness and tension.
“La del Vivo” is predominately Godello with a small amount of Doña Blanca. As with all of Pérez’s work, it is made with a low-intervention approach: native yeast fermentation in used oak (Godello) whilst the Doña Blanca is fermented in amphorae. It is then aged on its lees for 12 months to build texture while preserving purity and site expression.
Textural yet finely focused, with aromas of citrus peel, green pear, white peach and subtle herbal and floral notes. The palate is layered and gently waxy, showing ripe orchard fruit, lemon zest and a touch of stone fruit richness, all balanced by firm acidity. A mineral, saline thread runs through the wine, leading to a long, precise finish that combines freshness with quiet depth and complexity.
