Raúl Pérez

Raúl Pérez Pereira (Valtuille de Abajo, León, 1972) personifies the restless spirit of Bierzo, continually pushing boundaries in winemaking. At his family bodega, Castro Ventosa, he has pioneered innovative expressions of Bierzo’s Mencía grape, such as the acclaimed Valtuille Cepas Viejas or the iconic Ultra, while also exploring unconventional varieties like Petit Verdot, Pinot Gris, and Malbec. With two and a half centuries of family tradition in viticulture, his journey feels destined, deeply rooted in his heritage.

After a brief stint at a bodega in Penedès, Raúl returned to Bierzo to honor and evolve his family’s legacy. “For me, the main thing is to understand my limits, respect the environment, and, above all, comprehend the wisdom of my ancestors,” he says. This philosophy guides his approach: rejecting fixed formulas and adapting to the unique characteristics of each parcel, variety, and soil. For Raúl, “there are no rules except one: work in harmony with the ecosystem.” He avoids systemic products and strives to respect the flora and environment, letting the land guide his craft.

Beyond Mencía, his curiosity has led to daring projects with foreign and lesser-known varieties. Wines like Allison Carma (Petit Verdot), Rosario (Moscatel/Pinot Gris), and Portagallola (Malbec/Tannat) showcase his innovative spirit. These experiments reflect his desire to understand how different grapes perform in Bierzo’s unique terroir. “Why not find out more?” he asks, embodying a perpetual drive for discovery.

Beyond Bierzo

Raúl’s ventures extend far beyond Bierzo. In San Vicente do Grove, Galicia, he crafted Albariño wines aged underwater at a depth of 30 meters, exploring the impact of hydrostatic pressure on aging. Collaborating with viticulturist José Luis Mateo, he has investigated the potential of Merenzao and Mencía in Monterrei and worked with Bastardo and Zamarrica grapes along the Spanish-Portuguese border. Each project exemplifies his commitment to uncovering the full potential of Spain’s diverse viticultural landscape.

Recently, Raúl collaborated with contemporary artist Okuda San Miguel to create a limited-edition wine that merges art and winemaking. The project, called Kolor, features Okuda’s vibrant geometric designs on the labels, symbolizing the fusion of creativity and tradition. This partnership has drawn attention from both the wine and art worlds, reflecting Raúl’s ability to innovate while staying true to his roots.

Raúl’s influence is felt globally, as he mentors emerging winemakers and crafts wines celebrated for their authenticity and depth. His dedication has earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his reputation as one of Spain’s most visionary winemakers. For Raúl Pérez, winemaking is not merely a profession but a lifelong pursuit of understanding—of the land, the vines, and the endless possibilities they offer.