Gaba Mencía 2021

Gaba Mencía comes from Telmo Rodríguez and Pablo Eguzkiza, who began working together in 1994 and found in the easternmost corner of D.O. Valdeorras a fresh, Atlantic-influenced version of the Mencía grape. Galicia's cool, damp climate and the long, mild growing season give a wine with bright acidity, modest alcohol at 12.5 percent and a vivid, expressive fruit profile that sets it apart from warmer inland Mencía. The wine sees no oak: it ferments and ages for 12 months in stainless steel tanks, which preserve the primary aromatics and the grape's natural freshness and let the fruit and the cool-climate character speak without the mask of barrel. It is bright cherry red with a violet rim. The nose shows fresh forest fruits, blackberry and raspberry, with a peppery, herbal lift and a faint earthiness. The palate is medium bodied and juicy, with crisp acidity, fine soft tannins and a clean, mineral finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you prefer, with roast poultry, game birds or a baked salmon dish.