Michelini i Mufatto En El Camino 2022

Region and Vineyards

The wine is sourced from vineyards across Magaz de Abajo, Cacabelos, Arganza, and Villafranca del Bierzo in the D.O. Bierzo appellation, located in northwest Spain. These areas are characterized by varied altitudes, ranging from 200 to 500 meters above sea level, and diverse soil compositions, including clay and quartz.

The vines, averaging 80 years old, are free-standing and head-trained. They are cultivated using organic farming practices and dry-farmed, relying solely on natural rainfall. The vineyards span 10 hectares, with orientations to the north, east, and west, ensuring optimal exposure and balance in grape ripening.

Winemaking

The 2022 vintage was marked by a mild spring and a dry summer, leading to early ripening and highly expressive fruit. The harvest took place in September, ensuring optimal maturity for the blend.

Winemaking involved spontaneous fermentation, with 30% whole clusters to preserve freshness and enhance complexity. A short post-fermentation maceration ensured a delicate extraction of tannins and color. The wine was then aged for 1 year, with 50% in wooden vats and 50% in stainless steel vats, striking a balance between structure and vibrancy. Bottling occurred in October 2022, yielding a production of 30,000 bottles.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red with youthful brilliance.
• Aromas: A bouquet of red cherries, cranberries, and subtle floral notes, with hints of wet stone and herbs.
• Palate: Fresh and lively, featuring flavors of raspberry, pomegranate, and a touch of minerality. The wine’s crisp acidity and gentle tannins create a balanced, approachable finish.

Did you know?

En El Camino, meaning "On the Way," symbolizes the journey of Michelini i Mufatto through Bierzo’s vineyards, integrating the diversity of the region’s terroir into a unified and expressive wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled chicken with Mediterranean herbs: Enhances the wine’s herbal and floral nuances.
• Roasted red peppers stuffed with rice and pine nuts: Complements the wine’s acidity and red fruit profile.
• Manchego cheese with quince paste: Balances the wine’s bright fruit flavors.
• Mushroom and goat cheese tart: Highlights the wine’s earthy and vibrant qualities.

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.