Michelini i Mufatto A Merced 2021

Region and Vineyards

The wine hails from San Lorenzo, a village in the heart of the D.O. Bierzo, a region renowned for its ancient vineyards and diverse soils. Situated at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, the vineyard is characterized by quartz and slate-rich soils, which impart distinct minerality and complexity to the wine.

The 1.2-hectare vineyard, home to free-standing, head-trained 80-year-old Mencía vines, is cultivated using organic practices and dry-farmed, relying solely on natural rainfall. This sustainable approach allows the vines to produce low yields of intensely flavored grapes that reflect the unique microclimate of Bierzo.

Winemaking

The 2021 vintage was marked by cooler-than-average temperatures, making it the coldest year since the winery began operations in Bierzo. The vintage’s continental character contributed to wines with refined acidity, a narrower palate, and a delicate tannic structure.

Harvested during the first week of September, the grapes underwent meticulous processing:

• 50% whole bunch fermentation, crushed by foot (pigeage à pied), and 50% destemmed bunches.
• Fermentation occurred spontaneously in 10-hectoliter wooden vats, followed by a long maceration period to enhance texture and complexity.
• The wine was aged for one year in used 225-liter French oak barrels, ensuring subtle oak influence without overpowering the wine’s fruit-driven profile. Bottled in October 2022, the total production was 10,000 bottles.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby with violet reflections, indicating youth and vibrancy.
• Aromas: Fresh and inviting, with notes of red cherry, raspberry, and violet, layered with hints of graphite and earthy undertones.
• Palate: Lively and precise, with flavors of cranberry, red currant, and a touch of herbs. The wine’s fine tannins and vibrant acidity create a clean, mineral-driven finish.

Did you know?

The name A Merced, meaning "At Mercy," reflects the winemakers’ awe and respect for Bierzo’s terroir. The inspiration came from their first encounter with the region’s forests, hills, and culture, leaving them “at the mercy” of its natural beauty.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled quail with rosemary and garlic: Enhances the wine’s herbal and earthy nuances.
• Roasted red peppers stuffed with rice and pine nuts: Complements the wine’s bright acidity and red fruit profile.
• Wild mushroom risotto with thyme: Matches the wine’s minerality and fine tannins.
• Semi-cured sheep’s milk cheese: Balances the wine’s freshness and delicate structure.

History of Michelini i Mufatto

The history of Michelini i Mufatto began with the family’s passion for exploring unique terroirs and their fascination with the diversity of Spain’s Bierzo region. Originally from Argentina, the Michelini brothers, well-known for their innovative approaches in South American winemaking, joined forces with the Mufatto family to establish their winery in Bierzo in 2015.

Their journey started with the discovery of neglected and ancient vineyards scattered across Bierzo, some of which dated back over a century. They were drawn to the region’s potential for producing wines that balance elegance with intensity. Their work has focused on restoring abandoned pre-phylloxera vines and preserving native varieties like Mencía, Godello, and Doña Blanca.

The families embraced organic farming and low-intervention practices, avoiding synthetic chemicals and emphasizing the importance of natural ecosystems. The winery also adopts a thoughtful approach to winemaking, using amphoras and neutral oak barrels to craft wines that express the essence of Bierzo’s terroir. Today, Michelini i Mufatto is recognized as a leader in sustainable and expressive winemaking, with a reputation for producing limited-production, high-quality wines.

Region and Vineyards

The Bierzo region, located in the northwestern province of León, is known for its diverse microclimates and ancient vineyards. Nestled at the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains, Bierzo benefits from a unique combination of Atlantic and Mediterranean climates. This mix results in warm days and cool nights, creating optimal conditions for producing fresh, aromatic, and well-structured wines.

Michelini i Mufatto works with a network of vineyards spread across villages such as Santalla del Bierzo, Valdecañada, Villafranca del Bierzo, and Cacabelos. These vineyards, situated at altitudes ranging from 200 to 700 meters, reflect the region’s diversity of terroirs. The soils vary from slate and quartz, which contribute minerality and vibrancy, to clay and alluvial soils, which provide richness and structure.

A hallmark of their vineyards is the age of the vines, many of which are between 60 and 180 years old, and are trained in the traditional gobelet style. These old vines are cultivated under organic farming principles, emphasizing biodiversity, soil health, and natural rainfall. The winery's commitment to preserving these heritage vineyards ensures the continuation of Bierzo’s rich viticultural legacy.

Wine Range of Michelini i Mufatto

Michelini i Mufatto produces a carefully curated portfolio of wines, each showcasing the character of Bierzo’s terroirs and native grape varieties:

• Post Crucifixion: A rare and historic wine from a 180-year-old pre-phylloxera vineyard, blending native red and white varieties for an extraordinary expression of Bierzo.
• Encrucijada: A blend of native grape varieties from high-altitude vineyards, delivering complexity and elegance.
• MA Series: Includes Doña Blanca and Godello, focusing on the region’s old-vine white grapes with mineral-driven profiles.
• A Merced: A single-vineyard Mencía wine showcasing the depth and finesse of high-altitude viticulture.
• En El Camino: A village wine that highlights the vibrancy of Mencía and other native varieties from diverse plots.

Did you know?

Michelini i Mufatto uses traditional winemaking techniques like fermentation in clay amphoras and neutral oak aging to enhance the natural character of their wines. Their approach prioritizes purity, allowing the unique features of Bierzo’s soils and climate to shine.