Over the last decade, Bierzo has become one of the darling regions for sommeliers all around the world. However this rural, remote, and ruggedly lush region tucked away in the far northwestern corner of León was once little known. Among its valleys and stunning terraced vineyards, once obscure grape varieties like the region’s star grape variety Mencia along with Godello and Doña Blanca thrive. In recent years the region has become a hotbed of natural winemaking, with young viticoltures making some of the most exciting, terroir expressive and food-friendly wines in Spain.

Like most of the world’s great wine regions, Bierzo has distinct climactic and geographic qualities that set it apart.  It shares some of the climate of Galicia regarding humidity and rainfall, although it is sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic Ocean’s whims by mountains. And while its Galician influence is critical to maintain balance and freshness in the wines, the hotter influence of León allows for riper qualities in its red wines.

Aventura Liquida – Liquid Adventure – is made exclusively for SoilAir Selection from some of the best positioned, organically farmed vineyards in Bierzo. The Mencia and Godello are both a blend of four different plots in the Valtuille Valley: Agro, Couso, El Llano and Villegas, all of which are over 100 years old and are still co-planted with other varietals, as was done in most vineyards planted before the 1960s. Each vineyard has its own exposure, altitude, and soil which contribute distinctive characteristics to the wines.

The red is 85% Mencia with just a small splash of native varietals Doña Blanca, Palomino and Godello, and the white wine is 100% Godello. Farming is strictly organic, with no irrigation and manual harvesting, in keeping with a natural winemaking philosophy that values minimal intervention. The wines are fermented with native yeasts (pied de cuvee) in stainless steel and in 500L barrels with no temperature control, and then spend the winter in stainless steel tanks and used French oak barrels before bottling. The Aventura Liquida Mencia delivers the depth usually found in old vines as well as the grape’s lively fruit and distinctive earthy character. The Aventura Liquida Godello brings a combination of weight, acidity, minerality, and fruit. Highly drinkable, especially on a hot summer day!