Bierzo has become one of Spain’s most exciting wine regions over the last decade, and Verónica Ortega is one of the clearest reasons why.

Originally from Cádiz, Ortega worked with some serious names before settling in Bierzo, including time in Burgundy and at estates connected to figures such as Álvaro Palacios and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Thankfully the wines do not feel like copies of anywhere else.

Mencía sits at the heart of the project, sourced from old vineyards around villages such as Valtuille and Cobrana. The wines tend to show floral notes, red fruit, herbs, spice and freshness rather than excessive extraction or oak. There is a level of finesse that helped redefine how many people think about Bierzo reds.

Godello also plays an important role, particularly in mineral-driven whites that highlight the region’s varied soils and elevations. Organic farming and minimal intervention in the cellar help keep the focus firmly on vineyard character.

Bierzo already had extraordinary vineyards. Verónica Ortega became one of the producers showing the rest of the wine world exactly what they could do.