Michelini i Mufatto Encrucijada 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Encrucijada vineyard is located in Alto de Valdecañada, near Ponferrada, within the D.O. Bierzo appellation. This area is characterized by its rugged terrain and ancient vineyards, thriving in one of the region's most distinctive subzones.

Spanning 0.9 hectares at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level, the vineyard is planted with 80-year-old, head-trained Mencía vines, cultivated organically and dry-farmed, relying solely on natural rainfall. The soils consist of red slate, which contributes a distinctive minerality to the wine. The north-facing orientation ensures that the vines receive cool, balanced sunlight exposure, resulting in slow ripening and fresh acidity.

Winemaking

The 2021 vintage was marked by a cooler-than-usual year, offering the coldest temperatures recorded by Michelini i Mufatto in Bierzo. These conditions, coupled with good humidity, produced wines with a more continental character, fine tannins, and vibrant acidity.

The winemaking process for Encrucijada 2021 began with the harvest on September 30th. Grapes were processed as 100% whole bunches, crushed by foot using the traditional pigeage à pied method. Fermentation occurred spontaneously in 1,000 kg clay amphoras, emphasizing a minimal-intervention approach. Following fermentation, the wine underwent a long maceration period to extract complexity and texture. It was then aged for 18 months in 1,500-liter oval foudres, enhancing its delicate profile. Bottling took place in October 2022, with a total production of only 1,700 bottles.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Ruby red with a touch of garnet, reflecting its youthful vibrancy and potential for evolution.
• Aromas: A bouquet of violets, rose petals, and hints of red cherries, layered with subtle earthy and mineral undertones.
• Palate: Elegant and fresh, showcasing flavors of raspberry, cranberry, and a whisper of graphite. Its vibrant acidity and fine tannic structure lead to a long, mineral-driven finish.

Did you know?

The vineyard’s name, Encrucijada, meaning “crossroads,” symbolizes the turning point for Michelini i Mufatto in 2016 when they decided to stay in Bierzo and cultivate this plot, which had been abandoned for four years. This decision marked the beginning of their profound connection with the region.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and thyme: Enhances the wine’s herbal and earthy nuances.
• Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and goat cheese: Matches the wine’s vibrant acidity and floral notes.
• Wild mushroom and truffle risotto: Complements the wine’s minerality and fine tannins.
• Manchego cheese with fig compote: Balances the wine’s freshness and subtle fruitiness.

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.