Fraga do Corvo Mencía 2024

Fraga do Corvo Mencía comes from D.O. Monterrei in Galicia, made by Grandes Pagos Gallegos de Viticultura Tradicional, a project built around the traditional varieties of each Galician region. The cellar work is led by oenologist José Manuel Martínez Juste, who also oversees Quinta de Couselo. The wine is 100 percent Mencía, an aromatic, medium-bodied Atlantic variety that gives bright red fruit, floral lift and a peppery, savoury edge. Monterrei sits in inland Galicia with a warmer, drier climate than the coastal zones, which ripens the Mencía fully while the cool nights hold acidity and freshness. After fermentation the wine spends seven months in 500-litre French oak barrels, a larger format that softens tannins and adds spice with only a light wood imprint, keeping the fruit in front. The colour is bright ruby, the nose offers red berries and plum over black pepper, liquorice and wild herbs. The palate is medium bodied at 13.5 percent, fresh and savoury, with fine tannins and a stony finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees. It suits roast and grilled meats.