Akilia Villa de San Lorenzo 2023

Akilia Villa de San Lorenzo is a single variety Mencia from the D.O. Bierzo, drawn from three plots at Chano Villar, Lombano and Villarin. The vineyards sit on clay loam over slate, with east and west facing aspects that spread ripening through the day. Slate retains warmth and forces the roots deep for water, which keeps the fruit fresh and lends the wine its mineral, slightly smoky edge. The continental influence and the early picking hold the alcohol to 12.5 percent, so the structure stays light and the acidity bright. Ageing runs for nine months in concrete vats rather than oak, a neutral vessel that allows a gentle, slow oxygen exchange while leaving the fruit and the soil signature untouched by wood. The colour is a bright medium ruby. The nose leads with raspberry, redcurrant and cherry, backed by earth, thyme and cracked pepper. The palate is supple and fresh, with fine tannin and a savoury, graphite finish typical of Bierzo slate. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, in a standard red glass; no decant is needed. It suits roast fillet of beef, duck and charcuterie.