Pittacum, Bierzo Tinto, 2006

PITTACUM – Alfredo Marques

Bierzo is a DO situated in the North East of Castilla, at the border with Galicia. The winery is located in Arganza, a town of longstanding vine-growing and wine-making heritage (hence the Roman name), nestled in the beautifully hilly landscape of the Bierzo region.

The Bierzo Tinto, made with the Mencia grape, is sourced from 50-90 year-old vineyards, located on poor slate soils so as carefully to force the process of ripening. Organic fertilisers are used and green practices are employed throughout the vineyard to ensure the health of the vines.

The wine is intense cherry-red, with a striking purplish rim, very clean and brilliant. It is marked by a complex bouquet, with a wide range of aromas including red fruits (blackberry, raspberry), liquorice and mineral tones, pleasant woody hints, spices – pepper and oregano – and an agreeable backdrop of smoked cocoa.

R Bierzo Tinto 2005 £10.45 £125.40