Mengoba Mencía 2023

Mengoba Mencía is made by the Mengoba winery in the D.O. Bierzo in north-west Castilla y León, mainly from Mencía with a little Alicante Bouschet, the dark fleshed variety also known as Garnacha Tintorera. The Mencía comes from vineyards over 80 years old at Espanillo, at 700 metres, with the Alicante Bouschet from 50-year-old vines around Horta and Villafranca del Bierzo. The defining factor is slate: the steep schist and slate soils of Bierzo, mixed here with clay and sand, drain freely and give Mencía its hallmark graphite minerality and floral lift, while the cool, wet Atlantic-influenced climate and altitude keep the wine fresh and moderate at 13.5 percent. Old vines and low yields add concentration. The wine is aged only six months in large foudres rather than small barrels, which lets it breathe gently and round out without taking on overt oak, keeping the fruit and freshness to the fore. The colour is bright violet tinged ruby. The nose shows raspberry and red cherry with violet, dried herbs and a stony, graphite edge. The palate is medium bodied with fine tannin, fresh acidity and a mineral finish. Serve at 16 degrees, lightly cooled if you like. It suits roast poultry and game.