Bodegas Pittacum
The Nobility of Mencía from Bierzo
"Wines with personality, balance, and commitment: the most elegant interpretation of old vines in the heart of Arganza."
Pittacum: Terroir and Centenary Vineyards
Founded in 1999 and consolidated under the umbrella of Grupo Terras Gauda, Bodegas Pittacum is a benchmark in the D.O. Bierzo. Its focus is on the recovery and enhancement of Mencía from small plots with vines between 50 and 110 years old.
Located in an old manor house in Arganza (León), the winery practices plot-by-plot winemaking. This respect for the origin has allowed its labels to achieve high ratings in the Guía Peñín, highlighting the influence of clay and slate soils on the final structure of its wines.
Identity and Winemaking Keys
Minimal Intervention
The natural cycle of the vine is respected. The winery uses gravity for the movement of musts, a viticultural engineering technique endorsed by the OIV to preserve the sensory purity of the varietal.
Oak as an Ally
Aging is carried out primarily in French oak barrels. According to experts from Decanter, Bierzo Mencía benefits from light toasting that does not obscure its floral and red fruit notes.
Climate and Freshness
The strategic location in León offers an ideal Atlantic influence, ensuring vibrant acidity that gives the wines great aging potential.
Reference Labels
The Pittacum collection offers everything from immediate freshness to the depth of single-vineyard wines praised by Robert Parker:
- Pittacum Crianza: The perfect balance of ripe red fruit and silky tannins.
- Pittacum Aurea: Single-vineyard wine from centenary vines; deep and of superior elegance.
- La Prohibida: A single-varietal Garnacha Tintorera that stands out for its balsamic intensity.
- Petit Pittacum: A "thirst-quenching wine," young, direct, and full of fruity expression.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bodegas Pittacum
What pairs best with a Pittacum Mencía?
According to the WSET, its acidity harmonizes excellently with grilled red meats, Iberian cured meats, and legume stews.
Are Pittacum wines suitable for aging?
Yes. Labels such as Pittacum Aurea can evolve favorably in the bottle for 10 to 15 years due to the structure of their old vines.