Verónica Ortega
Verónica Ortega
AboutVerónica Ortega
Originally from Cádiz, Verónica Ortega worked in Priorat and Burgundy before settling in Bierzo in 2012, drawn by Mencía and the old vineyards around Valtuille de Abajo. She made her first vintages in space offered by Raúl Pérez before establishing her own cellar.
She farms about five hectares across more than twenty small plots around Valtuille and Cobrana, with many vines over seventy years old growing on clay, sand and slate. She follows organic practices in the vineyards and keeps cellar additions to a minimum, using modest amounts of sulphur only when needed.
Veronica Ortega 2023 Kinki Bierzo
Spanish Red
Pale ruby colour accompanies raspberry, redcurrant and tart strawberry, with floral, herbal, saline and citrus notes. The palate has freshness, firm tannic structure and mineral character. Mencía is joined by Doña Blanca, Palomino, Godello and Alicante Bouschet from a single old-vine parcel. The varieties ferment together with whole stems, followed by eight months in 800-litre amphorae. Alcohol is eleven and a half percent.
Verónica Ortega 2022 Quite Mencía
Spanish Red
Mulberry and brambly fruit lead, joined by floral, licorice and herbal notes. The palate is supple and finely textured, with balanced tannins and an easy flow that keeps the fruit clear. Deep enough for roast pork or grilled mushrooms yet fresh enough for charcuterie, it is expressive without excess weight.
Verónica Ortega 2020 ROC Bierzo
Spanish Red
Dried rose, violet and ripe strawberry open the nose, followed by raspberry, bramble, liquorice and a cool balsamic-menthol note. The palate is full yet finely drawn, with juicy dark fruit, subtle incense and herbs carried by firm, fine-grained tannins. Fresh, balanced and quietly complex, it finishes long, savoury and poised for further development.