Castro Ventosa
Summary
Castro Ventosa is a family-owned winery in Bierzo's Valtuille de Abajo village that specializes in Mencía wines from old vines grown in the region's characteristic slate and clay soils. Their minimal-intervention winemaking philosophy combines traditional methods with selective modern techniques, producing site-specific expressions that have helped define Bierzo's distinctive regional style and elevated its standing in Spain's wine landscape.
Heritage & Leadership
Castro Ventosa was established by the Pérez family in the Bierzo region of northwestern Spain, within the province of León in Castilla y León. The winery is based in the village of Valtuille de Abajo, an area with deep viticultural roots dating back to Roman times. The Pérez family has maintained ownership and direction of the winery throughout its history, with Raúl Pérez Pereira, who began his winemaking career at Castro Ventosa, playing a significant role in elevating both the winery's profile and the Bierzo region as a whole. Today, the winery continues under family leadership, maintaining its focus on expressing the distinctive terroir of Bierzo through their wines.
Vineyards & Wines
Castro Ventosa's vineyards are situated in Valtuille de Abajo within the Bierzo Denominación de Origen. The estate focuses primarily on the Mencía grape variety, which thrives in the region's unique climate and soil conditions. Their vineyards feature the characteristic slate and clay soils of Bierzo, which contribute mineral complexity to their wines. The winery places particular emphasis on old vine parcels, with some Mencía vines exceeding 80 years in age. These low-yielding vines produce concentrated fruit that forms the backbone of Castro Ventosa's wine portfolio. The vineyards benefit from the region's moderate rainfall and the protection offered by the surrounding mountains, creating a distinctive microclimate that allows for optimal ripening of the Mencía grapes.
Philosophy & Practice
Castro Ventosa adheres to traditional winemaking methods that honor the historical practices of the Bierzo region while incorporating modern techniques where beneficial. Their approach centers on minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar, allowing the Mencía grape to express its natural characteristics and the influence of the terroir. Harvesting is conducted by hand, with careful selection of fruit to ensure only the highest quality grapes are used in production. Fermentation typically occurs in stainless steel tanks, with aging taking place in a combination of vessels including French oak barrels. The winery produces several bottlings that reflect different vineyard sites and vine ages, showcasing the diversity within their holdings. Their winemaking philosophy emphasizes balance and authenticity, producing wines that are true representations of Bierzo's distinctive character.