Bright ruby in the glass, the 2021 opens with lifted aromas of red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, interwoven with violet, crushed stone and a subtle herbal edge. On the palate it is supple and fresh, with fine, chalky tannins and a juicy core of red fruit. There’s a savoury, mineral thread running through the wine, giving shape and precision, and a long, elegant finish that feels airy rather than heavy.
Ultreia Saint-Jacques is made primarily from Mencía sourced from old vines planted on slate and clay soils across Bierzo. The focus is on expressing place rather than power: careful vineyard work, gentle extraction and restrained use of oak allow the grape’s natural freshness and aromatics to shine. The 2021 vintage brought clarity and balance, resulting in a wine that is both approachable and unmistakably expressive of Bierzo’s Atlantic-influenced terroir.
Serve at 15–17 °C, with a light decant if desired. This wine pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork dishes, grilled vegetables, mushroom-based recipes or lightly spiced lamb. Its freshness and mineral edge also make it a great match for Mediterranean dishes and tapas.
The 2021 vintage has been widely praised, with multiple reviews clustering in the 92–93 point range. Commentators highlight its purity of fruit, floral aromatics and mineral precision, often noting how it balances drinkability with depth. Many describe it as a benchmark example of modern Bierzo: elegant, vibrant and terroir-focused.
Ultreia Saint-Jacques 2021 offers exceptional value for a wine crafted with such sensitivity and pedigree. It delivers freshness, complexity and a strong sense of place without heaviness, making it both food-friendly and deeply satisfying on its own. For anyone curious about Bierzo or seeking a refined, characterful Spanish red, this bottle is an outstanding choice.
