Mary Taylor Castilla y Leon Prieto Picudo

Mary Taylor Castilla y León Prieto Picudo - Castilla y León, Spain

Producer's Notes:

Pedro Gonzalez Mittelbrunn has been so committed to the local indigenous grape varieties, Prieto Picudo and Albarin, that he convinced the best wine growers to partner with him and replant these historic indigenous varieties. Some of the vines are as old as 100 years, planted in the traditional style known as “Rastra” where the branches lie on the ground. These are the only organically farmed vineyards of Prieto Picudo and Albarin in the region. Yields are low, between 25 and 40 hectoliters per hectare. El Paramo Leones is a high plain (830 meters. altitude) and close to the Cantabric mountains. Here we have extreme climate conditions, with very low rainfall (450 mm/year). The wine is cultivated to showcase the terroir. No oak and only natural yeast are used.

When Pedro “Prieto Picudo” is not in the vineyards, he is teaching Viticulture & Enology
at the University of León. 

What we say:

Made entirely from the native variety Prieto Picudo, this wine is part of winemaker Pedro González Mittelbrunn’s project to revive old-vine Leonesa varieties under the banner of sustainable, minimal-intervention viticulture. 

On the nose expect juicy red and dark fruit - think sour cherry, raspberry, wild berry and a hint of violet - with subtle spice and mineral undertones.  On the palate it shows bright acidity, moderate yet firm tannins, and a fresh, somewhat rustic character that speaks of its terroir and indigenous heritage. Because Prieto Picudo is naturally high in acidity and skin phenolics, wines from this grape tend to deliver vibrant aromas and a distinctive structure. 

Style: Regional red from Castilla y León made from native Prieto Picudo - aromatic, fresh, with lively acidity and fruit-driven character

Drink window: Now through next 4–6 years

Perfect for: Tapas, grilled vegetables, charcuterie, roasted chicken or pork, rustic stews, or anytime you want a distinctive, food-friendly Spanish red with some natural character

A bold, native low-intervention León red - fresh, flavorful and alive with character.