WHAT

Red

WHEN

2021

WHERE

Bierzo, Spain

Bodegas Peique is a three-generation family winery in Valtuille de Abajo, in the heart of Bierzo — Spain's mountainous northwestern corner where Mencía reigns and the Atlantic keeps things cooler than you'd expect. The family's winemaking roots go back to 1912, and this bottle is named after Ramón Valle, the grandfather who planted most of these vines in the mid-20th century at 450-580 meters of altitude.

The Ramón Valle is 100% Mencía from those same 45-55 year old goblet-trained vines, hand harvested, fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, and aged 7 months across French, Russian and American oak. The result is exactly what Bierzo does well — fresh and lively on its feet, with ripe red and dark berries, a balsamic thread, fine tannins, and a mineral finish that keeps you coming back. It's not a heavyweight. It's the kind of red you open on a weeknight without thinking twice.

Drink it slightly cool with lamb, Iberian charcuterie, or a good hard cheese.