Castro Ventosa / Fam. Pérez Pereira

Álvaro Palacios played an important role in the winery’s recent history. Before this now world-renowned winemaker launched his own projects in Bierzo (now in partnership with his nephew Ricardo Pérez Palacios), he worked as a ‘flying winemaker’ at Castro Ventosa, where he deepened his knowledge of the Mencía grape and the region’s distinctive terroirs. Later, through his own wines, he made a significant contribution to raising the international profile of Bierzo.

Thanks to the Pérez Pereira family’s many years of experience and their deep connection to the historic vineyards, Castro Ventosa produces characterful Mencía wines of the highest quality. El Valtuille and El Castro de Valtuille, in particular, are regarded as impressive ambassadors for the region and are among the finest expressions of this fascinating grape variety. Incidentally, ‘El Valtuille’ translates as ‘Valley of Olive Oil’. The name refers to the numerous olive trees in the surrounding area, which have been cultivated for oil production for generations.