Michelini i Mufatto Post Crucifixion 2021

Region and Vineyards

This exceptional wine comes from Santalla del Bierzo, within the D.O. Bierzo appellation in northwestern Spain. The vineyard, sitting at an altitude of 580 meters above sea level, is one of the few surviving pre-phylloxera plots, offering a direct connection to Bierzo’s viticultural history.

Spanning only 0.25 hectares, the vineyard is planted with a mix of indigenous grape varieties, including Mencía, Merenzao, Brancellao, Palomino, and Godello. These free-standing, head-trained vines, aged 180 years, thrive on calcareous clay soils. Cultivated under organic dry-farming practices, the vines depend on natural rainfall and the richness of their ancient root systems.

Winemaking

The 2021 vintage was notably cold, with the lowest temperatures recorded in the region since Michelini i Mufatto began working in Bierzo. These conditions, combined with good humidity, created wines with a continental character, fine tannic structure, and vibrant acidity.

The grapes, harvested on September 20th, underwent 100% whole bunch fermentation, crushed by foot using the pigeage à pied method. Fermentation was spontaneous, occurring in 1,000 kg clay amphoras, followed by a long maceration period. The wine was then aged for 18 months in used 500-liter French oak barrels, ensuring a delicate integration of oak and preserving the wine’s purity. Bottling occurred in October 2022, with a total production of just 593 bottles.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium ruby with garnet hues, reflecting its elegance and heritage.
• Aromas: A complex bouquet of wild berries, rose petals, and dried herbs, accented by earthy and mineral notes.
• Palate: Delicate yet vibrant, with flavors of red currant, pomegranate, and a hint of graphite. The wine’s fine tannins and precise acidity lead to a long, mineral-driven finish.

Did you know?

The vineyard’s name, Post Crucifixion, refers to the survival of this rare pre-phylloxera plot after the devastation of the phylloxera plague. This 180-year-old vineyard is a living piece of viticultural history, producing some of the purest expressions of Bierzo’s terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck breast with cherry reduction: Enhances the wine’s red fruit and earthy notes.
• Grilled eggplant with tahini and pomegranate seeds: Complements the wine’s vibrant acidity and mineral undertones.
• Wild mushroom ravioli with sage butter: Matches the wine’s delicate tannins and herbal complexity.
• Manchego cheese with fig paste: Balances the wine’s floral and fruit-driven aromas.

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.