Michelini i Mufatto MA Dona Blanca 2022

Region and Vineyards

This wine hails from the D.O. Bierzo, located in northwestern Spain, an area celebrated for its diverse soils and ancient vineyards. The vines are situated in the towns of Valtuille de Arriba and Villafranca del Bierzo, nestled at 620 meters above sea level.

The vineyard, covering only 0.9 hectares, is composed of 122-year-old, head-trained Doña Blanca vines, cultivated using organic practices. The clay-loam soils enriched with limestone provide an excellent balance of drainage and fertility, ensuring the vines produce low-yield, high-quality fruit. The orientation spans north, south, east, and west, perched at the top of a mountain, capturing the full potential of sunlight and cool mountain breezes.

Winemaking

The 2022 vintage was marked by a mild spring and a dry summer, resulting in early ripening and fruit of exceptional concentration. Grapes were hand-harvested in September to preserve their pristine condition.

The winemaking process began with a direct press and spontaneous fermentation in 228-liter French oak barrels. The wine underwent no remontage or bâtonnage, preserving its purity and delicate texture. It was aged for 20 to 24 months in contact with its fine lees, enhancing complexity and depth. Bottled in April 2023, this wine is unfiltered, emphasizing its authenticity and minimal intervention approach.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale yellow with subtle golden hues, brilliant and clean.
• Aromas: A vibrant bouquet of white flowers, citrus peel, and green apple, complemented by hints of wet stone and almond.
• Palate: Lively and fresh, with a silky texture and flavors of lemon zest, pear, and a touch of salinity. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with a refined balance of acidity and fruit.

Did you know?

The Doña Blanca vines used for this wine are over a century old, making them a living testament to Bierzo’s rich winemaking history. These vines, planted in 1900, thrive without irrigation, relying on natural rainfall and their deep root systems to access nutrients.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Galician octopus with olive oil and paprika: Matches the wine’s mineral character and bright acidity.
• Grilled sea bass with lemon butter: Enhances the wine’s citrus and saline notes.
• Risotto with asparagus and Parmesan: Balances the wine’s creamy texture and herbal aromas.
• Manchego cheese with quince paste: Highlights the wine’s nuttiness and vibrant acidity.

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.