Dominio de Tares Cepas Viejas 2022

Dominio de Tares Cepas Viejas is a varietal Mencía from Dominio de Tares in D.O. Bierzo, in San Román de Bembibre. Bierzo has a mild continental climate tempered by Atlantic moisture, with summer highs around the mid-twenties and cool winters, a moderate range that lets Mencía ripen slowly and keep its perfume and acidity. The fruit comes from vines more than 60 years old on south-facing slopes, where the soil mixes calcareous clay, slate and gravel. Slate retains and radiates heat and forces the roots deep, which is what gives good Bierzo Mencía its mineral, slightly smoky character; the old vines contribute low yields and concentration. The wine spends nine months in French and American oak, enough to add spice and texture and round the tannin through slow oxygen exchange without covering the fruit. It is deep cherry red. The nose shows wild red and black berries, black pepper, damp earth and a smoky, stony note. The palate is medium to full bodied, fresh and savoury, with fine tannin and a mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It pairs well with game and grilled meats.