This small producer from Villadecanes, near Valtuille de Abajo, exemplifies the type of family wine business that is commonly found in Bierzo. Martínez Yebra has kept alive the legacy of five generations of winegrowers who started to produce wine with the third generation.
Misericordia Bello, the driving force behind the winery, is also the president of Bierzo’s Regulatory Board. As such, she has energetically promoted the new Burgundy-inspired, terroir-driven classification in the area as well as the protection of its rich old vine heritage. Their own 18Ha under vine are over 70 years old.
Their range of wines starts with Canes (€6, 80,000 bottles), a young, affordable, Mencía that is fermented in concrete tanks and delivers the depth usually found in old vines as well as the grape’s lively fruit and distinctive earthy character. The name on the stylish label pays tribute both to the village and the owners’ dog. Tres Racimos (literally “three bunches”, 50,000 bottles, around €10) is more classic in style and undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrel followed by three months of aging, while the notably polished Viñadecanes Crianza (40,000 bottles, €15) spends 12 months in barrel. A single varietal Godello is also produced under the Canes brand.
The winery will start producing village wines from the 2018 vintage.
