Bierzo

Located northeast of León, bordering the provinces of Asturias and Galicia, the DO Bierzo was established in 1989. Its winemaking history commenced with the Romans, like many Spanish wine producing regions, and it was consolidated in Medieval times by the Monks.

One of Spain's most famed wine areas, the Designation of origin Bierzo has exceptional conditions for growing grapes. It enjoys an Atlantic climate with a Mediterranean influence, considerable amount of sunshine hours, enough rainfall to keep the vines hydrated, and an average yearly temperature around 12oC. Vineyards are located from 400 to 800 metres of altitude. They are planted in a rich tapestry of soils: sandy and clayey in the lower areas, and slate and granitic in the high ones.

As for the grape varieties, the DO Bierzo is known for its red wines made from Mencía, an immensely expressive and subtle variety that conveys the local terroir with remarkable transparency.

The DO's regulations determine that, in order to bear the DO Bierzo seal, the red wines of Bierzo must be made from a minimum of 70% Mencía. As for the white wines of DO Bierzo, they are made predominantly from Godello, which is usually blended with Doña Blanca and Palomino. The white wines from El Bierzo are fragrant and highly characteristic. The rosé wines from El Bierzo must be made from a minimum of 50% Mencía. They are usually made from a blend white and red varieties, which results in some subtle, crisp rosé wines.

In 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain approved the zonification of the vineyards of the DO Bierzo, which legally allows the wines of DO Bierzo to be classified as: Vino de Villa, Vino de Paraje, Vino de Viña Clasificada and Gran Vino de Viña Clasificada. The decree also authorized two red varieties with great winemaking potential: Merenzao and Estaladiña.

Red wine varieties:

Mencía, Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), Merenzao, Estaladiña.

White wine varieties:

Doña Blanca, Malvasia, Palomino, Godello.