José Antonio Garcia 'Julia' 2022

Jose Antonio Garcia and his wife Julia are undeniably part of the new generation of winemakers in Bierzo. Their passion and pursuit of authenticity and sustainability result in refined wines with a gastronomic impact. During our visit to their estate, we were impressed by their meticulous approach and the careful handling in both the vineyards and the wine cellars.

'Julia' is a very fresh, juicy and lively Bierzo with 'glouglou' character, mineral driven and using the tradition of co-fermentation in the Bierzo region, coming from the naturally composed vineyard-field blends. The grapes come from the organically farmed plots located on an eastern slope in the heart of Valtuille de Abajo at 550 meters above sea level, where the upper part is sandy, the middle part slate and the lower part clay with decomposed organic matter. The grape varieties used are mencía, alicante bouschet, merenzao, godello, doña blanca, palomino and malvasia.

The grapes are hand-picked and destemmed, but not crushed. A spontaneous intracellular alcoholic fermentation, in the style of 'macération carbonique' takes place with indigenous yeast, followed by pressing in a pneumatic press. The wine is aged for 11 months on the fine lees with malolactic fermentation in used 500L French barrels. This results in a very expressive red wine with intense aromas of fresh raspberry, blackberry and cassis, sour cherries and a subtle earthy-mineral accent. In the mouth this wine bursts with juiciness and freshness, crispy acidity with a fruity and soft body and silky tannins. This wine will undoubtedly invite you for a second glass...

Domain: José Antonio Garcia
Grape: 85% mencia (+ 15% alicante bouschet, merenzao, godello, doña blanca, palomino and malvasia...)
Country: Spain
Region: Bierzo
Wine style: elegant red
Wine & food: fried veal sweetbreads, white creamy cheeses, pithivier with truffle, pheasant
Serving temperature: 14°C
Storage: < 6 years consumption
Content: 75 cl