Raúl Pérez, the creator of mythical wines like El Pecado and Sketch, is Spain’s most critically acclaimed enologist. His wines are discussed and sought after around the world. Though his name is on everyone’s lips, his wines touch the lips of a privileged few. All of his liquid creations are made in very limited quantities and more often than not are sold out internationally, to the dismay of many.
In recent times, his wines have received raving reviews from the likes of Robert Parker and other influential international critics who describe him as Spain’s most promising enologist, in the present and looking to the future. In Germany at the “2014 Wine Awards”, he received the award for best enologist in the world and is the first Spaniard to achieve this distinction. Again in 2015, he was recognized as the best enologist in the world by the venerable publication, Bettane + Desseauve, at “Le Grand Tasting Shanghai”.
However, Raúl is a humble man and he would never speak of these titles. He is an unconventional rule breaker who is always pushing the limit, and going beyond it. He listens to nature, works with indigenous grape varieties, intervenes as little as possible, and doesn’t filter or stabilize. His wines are pure character and terroir and his style, though ever-evolving, is unmistakable. Raúl is all or nothing, mediocrity and indifference are not in his vocabulary but heart and soul can be found in all of his wines.
Raúl professes his devotion to many indigenous grape varieties, but there is one he holds dear above all others and has mastered like no one else; mencía of el Bierzo, the land where he was born.
To read more about Raúl, please click here for a thorough article from Spanish Wine Lover.
This link will take you to Raúl Pérez's own Website.
Ratings
90 Points - Luis Gutiérrez (The Wine Advocate)
93 Points - Guía Peñín
