Mencía is a grape from NW Spain thought to be native to the Bierzo province of León. The grape lends itself to light, vibrant red wines with soft tannins. It's a perfect wine to take a slight chill on a hot day.
Today’s version comes from Valdeorras (adjacent wine region in Galacia “aka Green Spain”) where wines labeled as Valdeorras Mencía must be comprised of a minimum of 85% Mencía. This wine is 100%.
These grapes are sourced from 40- to 60-year-old vines in slate soils. They are manually harvested in boxes of 15 kgs. Maceration of the grapes takes place in boxes in a refrigerator and in storage 48 hours before alcoholic fermentation, destemmed but unsqueezed. Fermentation with native yeast then 10 months in French and American oak barrels.
Alcohol by volume is 14%, but it is balanced by fresh acidity, lending the wine a “lighter” feel. Medium ruby in color, with a mix of red and black fruits, including plum, raspberry, and pomegranate.
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