Dominio Do Bibei Lacima 2020

Dominio do Bibei Lacima is a red from D.O. Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, made by a winery founded in the early 2000s by a group devoted to the land. The blend is Mencía at around 90 percent with 10 percent of other native varieties including Brancellao, Mouratón and Souson plus a little Grenache. Ribeira Sacra has an Atlantic climate with a wide swing between seasons, and the fruit comes from vineyards 50 to 100 years old terraced on the steep river slopes at altitudes between 300 and 700 metres. The vines grow on varied soils including slate, which lends the wine its mineral, savoury edge. The cool Atlantic conditions and high, steep sites keep alcohol moderate, here 12.5 percent, and preserve the bright acidity and aromatic detail that make Mencía so distinctive. The wine ages nineteen months in French oak, which knits the tannins together through gentle oxygen exchange while leaving the fresh fruit and minerality in the lead. Expect a medium red colour, a nose of red cherry and raspberry with pepper, dried herbs, a stony, smoky lift and a touch of liquorice, and a fresh, elegant palate with fine tannins and a savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. Good with roast duck, game and mushroom dishes.