2016 Raúl Pérez La Clave

Bierzo, Spain

I can’t believe it’s already fall. It’s been six months since all the craziness of the pandemic started and I think we can all agree it’s been a wild ride. Fall is my favourite time of year and I always look forward to drinking Gamay and Pinot Noir in excess. In saying that, I thought I'd change up my usual fall picks. I chose Raúl Pérez’s La Clave Mencía. This has been one of my go-to wines and can definitely be consumed any time of year.

Mencía is similar in aromatics to Gamay, Pinot Noir and Sciava (some of my other favourite varietals). Mencía grapes are grown in Bierzo, Valdeorras and Ribera Sacra in Spain and Dão. There’s aromas of blackberry with hints of chestnut and acorn. Medium bodied with plums and blueberries. Silky mouthfeel!

Raúl Pérez is the wine maker and looks like a Spanish Santa Claus… seriously google him and witness the most glorious beard. Raúl has a huge respect for nature and that shows in his wine making practice. There’s little influence on the vineyard. He’s a “philosopher of viticulture” and one of the most popular producers of unique wines in Spain.

The earthy tones in this wine will pair great with harvest vegetables and dark turkey meat for thanksgiving! The cozy fall season also calls for ordering pizza in and hunkering down so I’d suggest a Brooklyn pepperoni pizza.

$26.95