Antoine Graillot & Raul Pérez Bierzo Encinas 2016

Encinas is a Bierzo red made jointly by Antoine Graillot and Raúl Pérez, applying northern Rhône vinification to Mencía.

The Graillot family is no stranger to collaborations, and this one pairs Antoine Graillot, younger brother of Maxime and son of Alain, with the Bierzo grower Raúl Pérez. Pérez's idea was to see what a Graillot-style traditional vinification would do with Mencía in place of Syrah, turning the clock back to practices that were once common in Spain. The fruit is sourced from three parcels of vines in Valtuille, on clay — including El Rapolao in Valtuille de Abajo, a site rapidly gaining recognition as one of the finest in the appellation — and from Otero, north-facing on schist. The wine is vinified as Graillot would make Crozes-Hermitage: whole bunches in a large cement vat, then an extended period on skins at Pérez's urging, before ten months' ageing in a large oak foudre.

Drinking now and good for eight years. Serve at 16–18°C with grilled lamb, roast pork belly or a smoky paprika stew.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.