Raúl Pérez more or less put the Spanish growing region of Bierzo and Ribera Sacra on the map. His wines are always consistently plush and well-balanced.

Since he produced his first vintage for his family’s winery in 1994 at the age 22, he has been at the forefront of the conversation about what has been called “The New Spain”, specializing in the native cultivars of Northwestern Spain. In 2005, he left his family business to strike out on his own, creating Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez.

The limited creations of Raúl Pérez are handcrafted for those who lust after old-vine Saint-Joseph and the savory intrigue of top-tier Chinon. If that’s you, hear me now: you MUST try this wine!

Castro Candaz is the Ribeira-Sacra appellation project from Raúl Pérez and his close friend and collaborator Rodri Méndez.

Planted in 1950 on granite with some schist and slate to mostly Mencía with Domingo Pérez (Trousseau), Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), and Caiño. Whole cluster fermentation in large oak vats. 30-day maceration followed by one year of aging in 1500-liter foudre. Unfined and unfiltered.