Mengoba Mencía de Espanillo 2022

Mengoba Mencía de Espanillo is made by Bodegas y Viñedos Mengoba in Carracedelo, in the Bierzo, a project led by oenologist Gregory Pérez. The wine is built mainly on Mencía from an 80-year-old vineyard at 700 metres in Espanillo, with a small portion of Garnacha Tintorera. The vines sit on decomposed slate with sandy patches, a poor, well-drained soil that forces the roots deep and gives Mencía its characteristic graphite minerality and fresh red fruit. Altitude and the cool Atlantic-influenced climate of the Bierzo hold acidity and keep alcohol moderate. The wine is aged 16 months in foudres, large old casks that allow gentle oxygen exchange and soften the tannins while letting the fruit and terroir speak rather than adding obvious oak. The colour is bright cherry red with a violet rim. The nose shows cherry, dark berries and a floral note over a smoky, mineral base. On the palate it is medium bodied and fresh, with fine tannins, savoury depth and a stony finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees. It pairs with grilled lamb, beef and mushroom dishes.