César Márquez Paraje - Premium Red Wine from Bierzo

César Márquez Paraje is the regional wine from one of Bierzo's most compelling winemakers — a producer whose work has earned him a place among Spain's elite, with Wine Advocate scores above 95 points and recognition from Decanter as one of the country's top ten winemakers. The Paraje bottling brings together Mencía, Bierzo's noble indigenous grape, with a touch of Alicante Bouschet, sourced from the slate and clay soils of Valtuille de Abajo.

César Márquez trained in Requena and refined his philosophy working alongside pioneering producers before launching his own label in 2015. His approach is minimal-intervention from the vine to the cellar: no new oak, no additives, extended macerations with whole clusters where needed, and harvesting at the precise moment of crunchy fruit — a technique that preserves freshness and keeps alcohol naturally in check, around 13% vol. The resulting wines are terroir-driven in the truest sense, shaped by nine generations of family viticulture in the Bierzo valley.

On the nose, Paraje opens with an expressive, fragrant bouquet of red cherry, blackcurrant and plum, interwoven with floral violet notes, hints of cinnamon and liquorice, and a stony, slate-tinged minerality that speaks directly of the vineyard's terroir. On the palate, the mouthfeel is refined and juicy — vibrant acidity carries the mid-palate, grippy yet silky tannins provide structure without weight, and the finish is long, persistent and deeply satisfying. Rated 94 points by both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and the Guía Peñín.

Buy César Márquez Paraje online through Mercado 46 for European delivery, and experience one of Spain's most honest and food-friendly reds. Pair it with roasted lamb, grilled red meats, aged sheep's cheese or hearty mushroom dishes. Serve at 16°C to unlock its full aromatic complexity.