2023 Cesar Marques Parajes

A regional red blend representing El Bierzo, sourced from 45 different vineyard parcels across nine villages. The vines range in age from 80 to 142 years old and are planted with field blends of approximately 85% Mencía, 10% Alicante Bouschet, and 5% other white and red varieties. These head-pruned vineyards are planted at altitudes between 450 and 780 meters on diverse soils including slate, sand, and limestone. Each parcel is vinified separately to express the unique character of its terroir. The wine shows moderate ripeness with 13.08% alcohol, a pH of 3.58, and 5.34 grams of acidity. Aged exclusively in used French oak. Production is 34,000 bottles. The 2023 vintage was cooler with rain at the beginning of harvest, resulting in wines with a floral, serious and elegant profile.
Regular price $32.00
Regular price Sale price $32.00
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Specs

Type: Red
Winemaker: César Márquez
Vintage: 2023

Geography

Country: Spain
Sub-region: Bierzo
Vineyard: Parajes
 

Farming

Organic farming. Head-pruned old vines (80-142 years old) planted between 450 and 780 meters altitude on diverse soils including slate, sand, and limestone. Respectful agriculture without pesticides or chemicals to preserve natural terroir balance. Each plot worked separately according to specific needs. Hand-harvested.
 

Harvest

Manual collection, grapes sourced from vineyards between 450 and 780 meters above sea level, 50% destemmed with some full clusters included depending on vintage and plot, grapes pressed in the old-fashioned way with feet so that some remain whole during fermentation
 

Fermentation

Each parcel vinified separately, spontaneous fermentation with native wild yeasts, 50% whole bunch stems, part of the wine ferments in stainless steel and part in bins, maceration between 17 and 60 days of contact
 

Aging

After pressing, wine placed separately into 225-liter, 400-liter, and 500-liter French oak barrels, aged in used French oak for 12 months then barrels emptied and different parcels/plots assembled, bottled in January 2025